Amazing Health Benefits of Tomatoes by Grill Heat Aid

Tomatoes are the major dietary source of the antioxidant lycopene, which has been linked to many health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and cancer. They are also a great source of vitamin C, potassium, folate, and vitamin K.Usually red when mature, tomatoes can also come in a variety of colors, including yellow, orange, green, and purple. What’s more, many subspecies of tomatoes exist with different shapes and flavors. They appear in sauces, salads, juices, soups, and elsewhere. Their prevalence is good news; tomatoes are healthful as well as tasty and versatile. They are especially lauded for their cardiovascular benefits. They are also good sources of several vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients, especially the carotenoid lycopene, which gives tomatoes their vibrant red color.

Nutrition

Tomatoes are packed with nutrients.

One cup of chopped or sliced raw tomatoes contains:

• 32 calories (kcal)
• 170.14 g of water
• 1.58 g of protein
• 2.2 g of fiber
• 5.8 g of carbohydrate
• 0 g cholesterol

Tomatoes also have a wealth of vitamin and mineral content, including:

• 18 mg of calcium
• 427 mg of potassium
• 43 mg of phosphorus
• 24.7 mg of vitamin C
• 1499 international units (IU) of vitamin A

Tomatoes also contain a wide array of beneficial nutrients and antioxidants, including:

• alpha-lipoic acid
• lycopene
• choline
• folic acid
• beta-carotene
• lutein

The cooking of tomatoes appears to increase the availability of key nutrients, such as the carotenoids lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Stewed tomatoes provide more lutein and zeaxanthin than sun-dried tomatoes and raw cherry tomatoes.