[Lifestyle] Nutrition alert: Here’s what a 100-gram serving of cherry tomatoes contains

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If you are sick of eating your regular tomatoes, cherry tomatoes might be a good option to switch to. According to Dr Ushakiran Sisodia, registered dietician and clinical nutritionist at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mumbai, enjoying cherry tomatoes during the monsoon is a good idea, provided they are sourced from a reliable place and are thoroughly washed to remove any dirt or contaminants, keeping in mind the heightened risk of waterborne diseases during this period.

They are a great choice for hydration with a water content of approximately 94.5 per cent, she added.

“Moreover, they are a rich reservoir of vitamins and minerals, offering nutrients such as Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Folate, and Potassium, which play crucial roles in maintaining various bodily functions,” Dr Sisodia said.

Let’s take a look at the health benefits of cherry tomatoes.

 

Nutritional profile of cherry tomatoes

 

According to Dr Sisodia, this is what a 100-gram serving of cherry tomatoes contains:

 

• Calories: Approximately 18 kcal
• Water content: About 94.5 per cent
• Protein: Around 0.9 g
• Carbohydrates: Nearly 3.9 g
• Fibre: 1.2 g
• Fat: 0.2 g
• Vitamin C: 13.7 mg
• Vitamin A: 833 mg

• Potassium: 237 mg

 

 

Health benefits of cherry tomatoes

 

Rich in antioxidants: Cherry tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that aids in protecting the cells from damage, fostering overall well-being.

Promotes heart health: They are a good source of potassium, which helps in controlling blood pressure, thereby promoting heart health.

 

Aids digestion: Their high dietary fibre content supports healthy digestion.

Supports eye and skin health: They are rich in vitamins A and C, which are known for enhancing skin and eye health, respectively.

Improves immune system: They are also noteworthy for their Vitamin C content that bolsters the immune system.

 

Good for weight management: Plus, being low in calories and high in water content, they make a favourable choice for those focusing on weight management.

 

Can diabetics eat cherry tomatoes?

 

Individuals with diabetes can consider including cherry tomatoes in their diet. They have a low glycemic index, which signifies that they influence blood sugar levels to a minimal extent, explained Dr Sisodia.

“However, I would strongly recommend consulting with a nutritionist to receive personalised dietary advice, which would align with their individual health goals and medical history,” she added.

 

Is it beneficial for pregnant women?

 

Cherry tomatoes can be a nutritious addition to the diet of pregnant women.

“They are rich in folate, a nutrient known to prevent neural tube defects in newborns. Besides, the high content of Vitamin C found in cherry tomatoes supports the immune system, which can sometimes be compromised during pregnancy, making it a beneficial choice during this critical period,” Dr Sisodia said.

However, it is best to consult with your gynaecologist before adding any new food to your diet.

 

 

Things to keep in mind

 

Whilst incorporating cherry tomatoes into your diet, it would be prudent to be aware of a few aspects, according to Dr Sisodia.

 

Allergies: Certain individuals may exhibit allergic reactions to tomatoes, showcasing symptoms such as itching, swelling, and redness.

Overconsumption: Though cherry tomatoes have a low sugar content, if you are monitoring your sugar intake strictly, it would be wise to consume them in moderate quantities.

 

Myths and facts

 

Contrary to po[CENSORED]r belief, cherry tomatoes are not high in sugar; they contain a small amount of natural sugars but are not categorised as a high-sugar food, Dr Sisodia said.

Another po[CENSORED]r myth is that they can cause kidney stones, which is not entirely accurate. “While they do contain oxalates, consuming them in moderate quantities is unlikely to cause kidney stones,” Dr Sisodia added.

 

Source.