Cherry Tomato Calories: Everything You Need to Know
Cherry tomatoes are small, juicy and sweet tomatoes that are used in many dishes. They are known for their high nutritional value, especially for their high vitamin C content. In this article, you’ll learn all about the calories in cherry tomatoes and how to fit them into your diet.
What are cherry tomatoes?
Cherry tomatoes are a variety of tomatoes that are small and round. They have shiny, smooth skin and are usually red, but can also be yellow or green. Cherry tomatoes have a sweet taste and are perfect for snacking, but also suitable for cooking and as an accompaniment to salads or sandwiches.
Cherry Tomato Calories
A cherry tomato has an average of about 3 calories. A cup of cherry tomatoes (about 150 grams) contains about 27 calories. If you eat a whole bowl of cherry tomatoes, that’s about 100 calories. However, this number can vary depending on the size and variety of the cherry tomatoes.
Here is the table with the nutritional value of one cherry tomato per 100 grams:
| nutritional value | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Calories | 18 kcal |
| carbohydrates | 3.9 g |
| – of which sugar | 2.6 g |
| protein | 0.9 g |
| fat | 0.2 g |
| – of which saturated | 0 g |
| fiber | 1.2 g |
| sodium | 5 mg |
| Vitamin A | 42 µg |
| Vitamin C | 13 mg |
| Potassium | 237 mg |
| Calcium | 10 mg |
| Iron | 0.3 mg |
Nutritional value of cherry tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes are not only low in calories, but also rich in nutrients. They are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium and fiber. Vitamin C is particularly important for the immune system, while vitamin A is good for the eyes and skin. Potassium helps maintain healthy blood pressure, and fiber aids digestion and supports the cardiovascular system.
Health benefits of cherry tomatoes
Because of their nutritional content, cherry tomatoes offer a variety of health benefits. The antioxidants in tomatoes may help reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, and other chronic conditions. They can also help with weight loss as they are low in calories and high in fiber. The high vitamin C content can also boost the immune system and prevent colds and flu.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Cherry tomatoes are high in antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin A and lycopene, which can help reduce free radical damage in the body.
- Low glycemic index: Cherry tomatoes have a lower glycemic index than other tomato varieties, which means they raise blood sugar levels more slowly, making them a better choice for people with diabetes or insulin resistance.
- Immune system support: Due to their high antioxidant and vitamin content, cherry tomatoes can help boost the immune system and reduce the risk of disease.
- Supporting Heart Health: Lycopene, found in cherry tomatoes, may help reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering blood cholesterol levels and reducing inflammation in the body.
- Supports Digestive Health: The fiber in cherry tomatoes may help support digestive health by promoting bowel movement and preventing constipation.
Overall, cherry tomatoes are a nutritious and healthy addition to your diet and may help provide a variety of health benefits.
Vitamins in cherry tomatoes
| Vitamin | Amount per 100 grams |
|---|---|
| Vitamin A | 42 µg |
| Vitamin B1 (thiamine) | 0.05 mg |
| Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) | 0.03 mg |
| Vitamin B3 (niacin) | 0.6 mg |
| Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) | 0.2 mg |
| Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) | 0.08 mg |
| Vitamin B9 (folic acid) | 15 µg |
| Vitamin C | 13 mg |
| Vitamin E | 0.54 mg |
| Vitamin K | 7.9 µg |
Please note that the exact quantities may vary depending on the tomato variety and growing conditions.
Integrating cherry tomatoes into your diet
Cherry tomatoes are an easy and delicious way to add more veggies to your diet. You can simply eat them as a snack or add them to salads, sandwiches, pasta dishes or pizzas. You can also grill them or use them in stews and soups.
Conclusion
Cherry tomatoes are a delicious and nutritious addition to your diet. They are low in calories but high in important vitamins and minerals. By incorporating them into your meals, you can improve your health and well-being.
FAQs
What are the health benefits of cherry tomatoes?
Cherry tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that may help reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, and other chronic conditions. They can also boost the immune system and help with weight loss.
How many calories do cherry tomatoes have compared to other types of tomatoes?
Cherry tomatoes average about 3 calories per slice, while a large tomato has about 22 calories. As such, cherry tomatoes are a lower-calorie option if you want to keep track of your calorie intake.
Can you eat cherry tomatoes raw?
Yes, cherry tomatoes can be eaten raw and are a delicious addition to salads, sandwiches or as a healthy snack.
How can you be sure that you buy fresh and high-quality cherry tomatoes?
Make sure the cherry tomatoes are firm and smooth, with no signs of discoloration or blemishes. Avoid tomatoes that are soft or shriveled as they may not be fresh anymore. It’s also a good idea to buy organic cherry tomatoes to ensure they’re free of pesticide residue.