Carbs in tomatoes
An interesting fact about tomato is that it is a fruit biologically because it is developed from the ovary of a flowering plant and contains seeds. However, it is eaten and cooked in dishes like that of a vegetable. Tomatoes are usually red after being fully matured but some are also available in other colors like yellow orange green and purple.
Consider them fruits or vegetables, but tomatoes are very nutritious.
Tomatoes are also best suited for ketogenic diets which is a diet trending throughout the world. It is a popular diet followed by many people throughout the world including famous athletes and celebrities.
In case, you are not aware of what a keto diet is, it is a diet in which the body uses fats to produce energy and produces ketones as its byproduct in the body.
The diet is considered to have a lot of health benefits like weight loss, improved blood sugar level, and even a healthy heart. This diet is also prescribed by doctors for people suffering from epilepsy.
This article will provide information regarding the carbs present in tomatoes with their keto-friendliness.
carbs in keto tomatoes
So, The carbohydrate content in raw tomatoes is very low. In every 100gms there are approximately 3 gms of net carbs which makes it suitable for people trying to lose weight.
Are tomatoes keto safe?
Well, guys, tomatoes are considered keto safe and are one of the best options for the keto diet. However, there is a catch which is tomatoes contain 2-3 gms of net carbs in a 100 gm serving. Note that it is keto safe only in its raw form.
Other tomato food products like tomato paste, sauces, and even canned tomatoes contain added sugars. These artificially added sugars spike up the carbohydrate content of resulting in higher net carbs and as a result unfit for the ketogenic diet.
Sun-dried tomatoes are another tomato food product that is less ketogenic because one cup of dried tomato contains 23.5 gms of net carbs. This is due to the fact that there is little or no amount of water present in the cup. Hence, do not consider dried tomatoes in a ketogenic diet.
Nutritional profile of tomamtoes
Tomatoes are considered to be very nutritious. They contain a lot of antioxidants and plant compounds. Tomatoes consist of 95% water and the other 5% as carbohydrates and fats. In every 100gms of raw tomatoes, there is :
- Proteins: 0.9gms
- Carbohydrates: 3.9gms
- Sugars: 2.6gms
- Fiber: 1.2gms
- Fat: 0.2gms
Tomatoes are very rich in vitamins and minerals. The list of Vitamins and minerals present in tomatoes are as follows:
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an essential antioxidant as well as a nutrient. One tomato can provide 28% of the daily vitamin C content required by the body.
Potassium
Potassium is also present in tomatoes which is an essential mineral for blood pressure control and heart disease prevention.
Vitamine K1
Vitamine K1 present in tomatoes is known to be good for bone health and blood clotting. It is also known as phylloquinone.
Vitamin B9
Folate also is known as Vitamin B9 is very beneficial for a pregnant woman. It is very useful for tissue growth and cell repair.
Tomatoes also consist of many plant compounds. They are as follows :
Lycopene is a red pigment found in tomatoes and is responsible for the red color found in tomatoes. Studies have shown that this anti-oxidant is hugely beneficial for health.
Beta-carotene is an antioxidant present in tomatoes. It is converted to Vitamin A by the body and is good for the eyes.
Naringenin is a flavonoid present in the skin of the plant which has anti-inflammatory properties.
Chlorogenic acids present in tomatoes is a powerful anti-oxidant which lowers blood sugar level.
Health benefits of tomatoes
Tomatoes provide us with a wide range of health benefits in general. Be it as a part of Keto or not, it is an essential part of our diet. Tomatoes are best for heart health, cancer, and skin health.
Heart health
A number of people die due to heart-related diseases throughout the world most of which are strokes and heart attacks. Research has shown that people suffering from strokes and heart attacks have low levels of lycopene and beta-carotene in the blood.
Consumption of tomatoes which are a source of lycopene is also linked with a decrease in bad cholesterol or ‘LDL’ present in the blood. They also produce a protective layer on the inner side of the blood vessels and prevent blood clotting.
Cancer
Tomatoes are known to be anticancer. High concentrations of carotenoids and lycopene are known to prevent cancer.
Skin health
Tomatoes contain various antioxidants like naringenin which is great for the skin. The phytonutrients present in tomatoes protects us from the UV rays.
Eyesight
Good source of Vitamin A which is good for the eyes, and is recommended for people suffering night blindness. Lutein and Zeaxanthin are two forms of Vitamin A which are said to reduce age-related macular degeneration.
Side Effects
Tomatoes are said to be allergic to some people. Generally, it is well tolerated by our bodies. There are very rare cases of allergies but it is wise to stop having it if it causes irritation or problems to our body.
The kind of allergy it causes to some people is known as pollen allergy syndrome or oral allergy syndrome. It is a kind of allergy where the immune system attacks proteins of fruits and vegetables similar to pollen.
Symptoms of allergy are scratchy throat, swelling of the mouth or throat.
Takeaway
Tomatoes are in general are delicious and nutritious food. Often considered as a fruit biologically though used as a vegetable while cooking. The tomatoes are abundant with antioxidants and plant compounds that are known to cure and prevent us from a lot of diseases.
Most importantly, it is keto-friendly and one of the best options for people following the keto diet throughout the world. One should avoid the consumption of processed tomato food products as they are sugar spiked, which increases the carbohydrate level of the food, especially if you are following keto.
Also read Is onion keto?
