Cherry Tomatoes Healthy: Why You Should Include This Fruit In Your Diet
Cherry tomatoes are small, round, sweet tomatoes that offer a variety of health benefits. Not only are they delicious, but they are also packed with nutrients that can boost your health. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the benefits of cherry tomatoes and why you should include this fruit in your diet.
What Are Cherry Tomatoes?
Cherry tomatoes are smaller versions of the traditional round tomatoes. They are about the size of a cherry and have a sweet, refreshing taste. They are usually red, but can also be yellow, orange, or green.
Nutrients In Cherry Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. A cup of cherry tomatoes contains about:
- Calories: 27
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- protein: 1 g
- fat: 0 g
- Vitamin C: 28% of the recommended daily dose
- Vitamin A: 21% of the recommended daily dose
- Potassium: 8% of the recommended daily dose
- Iron: 4% of the recommended daily dose
- Calcium: 2% of the recommended daily dose
Health Benefits Of Cherry Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes are not only a delicious addition to meals, they can also offer many health benefits. Here are some of the key benefits:
Health benefits of cherry tomatoes |
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Contain antioxidants such as lycopene, which helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer |
Rich in vitamin C, which boosts immunity and supports wound healing |
Contains vitamin A, which helps maintain vision |
Contain vitamin K, which is important for bone health |
Low calorie content and high fiber content, which can help with weight loss |
Contain potassium, which can lower blood pressure |
Contain folic acid, which is important during pregnancy to reduce the risk of birth defects |
Rich in antioxidants
Cherry tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, especially lycopene. Lycopene is a carotenoid that offers a variety of health benefits. It can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer and other diseases.
Improves heart health
Cherry tomatoes are also good for your heart. They contain potassium, which can lower blood pressure. They also contain flavonoids, which can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Supports digestion
Cherry tomatoes are high in fiber, which can aid digestion. They can also help reduce constipation and bloating.
Supports bone health
Cherry tomatoes are a good source of vitamin K, which is important for bone health. It can help reduce bone fractures and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Reduces the risk of cancer
As mentioned earlier, cherry tomatoes contain lycopene, which may reduce the risk of cancer. Studies have shown that lycopene can slow the growth of cancer cells.
Who can’t eat cherry tomatoes
Although cherry tomatoes offer many health benefits, there are certain groups of people who may not want to eat them. These include:
- People with a tomato allergy: If you are allergic to tomatoes, you should avoid cherry tomatoes and other tomato varieties.
- People with gout: Cherry tomatoes contain purines that can lead to an increase in uric acid levels in people with gout attacks, which can lead to further gout attacks.
- People with kidney stones: People with kidney stones should limit their intake of oxalate-containing foods such as cherry tomatoes, as oxalates can promote kidney stone formation.
- People taking blood-thinning medication: Cherry tomatoes contain vitamin K, which plays a role in blood clotting. If you’re taking blood-thinning medication, you should consult your doctor before consuming large amounts of foods rich in vitamin K, such as cherry tomatoes.
It’s always important to speak to a doctor or nutritionist if you have questions about your diet and whether certain foods are right for you.
How To Use Cherry Tomatoes
There are many ways to include cherry tomatoes in your diet. Here are some ideas:
- Add them to salads for an extra touch of flavor.
- Use them as a snack when you’re on the go or need a quick meal.
- Use them in sandwiches or wraps for extra flavor.
- Fry them in olive oil and serve them as an accompaniment to meat or fish.
- Use them as a topping for pizzas or add them to pasta dishes.
Tips For Buying And Storing Cherry Tomatoes
When buying cherry tomatoes, you should make sure that they are ripe and firm. Avoid tomatoes that are too soft or damaged.
It is best to store cherry tomatoes at room temperature, otherwise they can lose their taste and quality. You can also keep them in the fridge, but make sure they don’t stay there for too long.
Conclusion
Cherry tomatoes are a tasty and healthy addition to your diet. They are rich in nutrients and may provide many health benefits including supporting your heart, bone and digestive health and reducing the risk of cancer. Try some of the above ways to include cherry tomatoes in your meals and reap the benefits.
FAQs
Are cherry tomatoes better than regular tomatoes?
Cherry tomatoes contain similar nutrients to regular tomatoes, but they have higher levels of antioxidants and lycopene.
Can you eat cherry tomatoes raw?
Yes, cherry tomatoes can be eaten raw and are a healthy addition to salads, sandwiches and snacks.
How many cherry tomatoes should you eat per day?
There is no exact number, but a cup of cherry tomatoes a day can be a good amount to get the health benefits.
What is the best way to store cherry tomatoes?
Cherry tomatoes are best stored at room temperature or in the fridge, but make sure they don’t stay in the fridge for too long.
Can cherry tomatoes cause allergic reactions?
Although rare, some people can be allergic to tomatoes, including cherry tomatoes. If you suspect an allergic reaction, you should consult a doctor.