Grape tomatoes are all the rage these days and for good reason! They’re sweet than cherry tomatoes, tangy, firm, and incredibly versatile when it comes to cooking. But have you ever wondered about their nutritional value? Well, let me tell you, these little red gems pack a punch when it comes to health benefits. Here’s the lowdown on why grape tomatoes are so great for you and some ideas on how to work them into your daily meals.
The Nutritional value in grape tomatoes
Grape tomatoes are a great source of vitamins and minerals. They are can help you get your daily value of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, calcium, thiamin, folate, and potassium. They are also a good source of dietary fiber and protein.
According to the USDA, 100g of raw grape tomatoes contains:
31 calories
0.83g of protein
5.51g of carbohydrates
2.1g of dietary fiber
11mg of sodium
260mg of potassium
Which is better cherry or grape tomatoes?
Well, it’s like trying to decide between a mini candy bar or a full-size candy bar. Cherry tomatoes are like the mini candy bars, they’re small, sweet, and always a crowd-pleaser. Grape tomatoes, on the other hand, are like the full-size candy bars, they’re slightly bigger, have a little more chew to them, and are perfect for when you’re feeling a bit more indulgent. Both are delicious, but it just depends on your mood and cravings.
Health benefits of grape tomatoes
Grape tomatoes are rich in health benefits such as:
Tomatoes Are Good For Your Skin Health
You know what’s also great for your skin? Tomatoes! Studies have shown that the antioxidants in tomatoes can help protect your skin from UV radiation and even treat skin inflammation like AD like the studies published in the Journal of cosmetic dermatology in 2015 and 2021 Journal of food biochemistry respectively.
And, get this, they can also protect against tick bites and heavy metal poisoning as published in the 2011 International journal of cosmetic science. So, next time you’re looking for a healthy food, grab a tomato from the grocery stores or add them to your salad or sandwich. Trust me, your skin will thank you.
Tomatoes Can Lower Risk Of Cardiovascular Disease
Tomatoes can be good for your heart too! A study from 2019 found that eating tomatoes and having high levels of lycopene in your blood can help reduce your risk of dying early by 37%, reduce your risk of getting cardiovascular disease by 14%, and reduce your risk of having a stroke by 23%. Consider adding more tomatoes to your diet to boost your heart health!
Tomatoes May Offer You Protection Against Cancer
As you know, tomatoes are packed with lycopene, which some studies suggest has cancer-fighting properties, like the one reported in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Some studies like the one published in the Journal of Pharmacological Research 2020 however argue that lycopene may not be the only factor that lowers cancer risk in tomatoes, and possibly it is a sign of the variety of components in tomato that give it anti-cancer properties. All in all go ahead and enjoy those tomatoes!
Are cherry tomatoes good for weight loss?
Well, let’s just say cherry tomatoes won’t make you lose weight by just looking at them, but they’re definitely a much better option than, let’s say, a pint of ice cream. They’re like the weight loss fairy godmothers of the vegetable world, low in calories, high in nutrients, and can help keep you feeling full and satisfied without the guilt. Plus, they’re packed with lycopene, an antioxidant that can help keep your heart healthy, and your taste buds happy. So, go ahead, add a few cherry tomatoes to your diet, your waistline will thank you.
Tomatoes Have A Bad Side Too…
Tomatoes may be packed with nutrients and taste like a dream, but let’s face it, they’re not without their flaws. For some people eating too much tomatoes can cause heartburn, urinary problems, or even the dreaded irritable bowel syndrome. But, don’t let that discourage you, just like superheroes have their kryptonite, you can still enjoy the benefits, you just have to be aware of the potential side effects.
Conclusion
In summary, grape tomatoes are like the superfoods of the vegetables—they are nutrient-dense, low in calories, and loaded with health advantages. They may be used in almost any recipe you want and are also adaptable and simple to prepare. So whether you’re trying to eat healthier or are just searching for a nice complement to your meals, don’t hesitate to add some grape tomatoes to your shopping list; your taste buds and health will both appreciate it!
