We are constantly told to eat right, exercise, practice good hygiene and be kind to each other as a daily checklist to living our best lives. Well, I am here to say that I 100% agree with this checklist and one of the foods that we should add to our diets (more so than you may already) are tomatoes! Shocked? I know I was! So, here is why you should add more tomatoes to your diet!
What are the nutrition facts about tomatoes?
| Nutrition-based on information found at https://www.dreamstime.com/stock-illustration-tomato-nutrition-facts-illustration-tomatoes-food-label-image53316398 | Amount per 1 whole medium tomato |
| Calories | 27 |
| Calories from fat | 2 |
| Total fat | 0g |
| Saturated fat | 0g |
| Trans fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0g |
| Sodium | 7mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 6g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Vitamin A | 25% |
| Vitamin C | 32% |
| Calcium | 1% |
| Iron | 2% |
What are the health benefits of eating tomatoes?
The most obvious health benefit of eating tomatoes is shown in the nutrition label. The vitamin and minerals! Tomatoes are loaded with vitamin A, vitamin C, and they have measurable amounts of Calcium and Iron.
What do these vitamins and minerals mean for your body?
Let’s examine vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for the body to ensure proper growth and development. Vitamin A is also responsible for maintaining the immune system and enhancing good vision.
Now, let’s examine vitamin C. Vitamin C is often pushed during cold and flu season and an immune system booster. This is largely due to vitamin C being an antioxidant. This means that vitamin C will help repair cells that have been damaged by free radicals. Vitamin C is also responsible for the formation of blood vessels, cartilage, muscles, and collagen in our bones. Keeping these areas of the body boosted and maintained will help your body fight off cold and flu germs (though vitamin C cannot cure a cold or flu).
What are the negatives of eating tomatoes?
Now, adding tomatoes to your diet doesn’t mean overdoing it. It simply means that adding tomatoes to certain dishes, sandwiches or salads can be beneficial overall. Eating too many tomatoes (just like any overeating) can have negative effects on the body. Some of these negative effects are listed below.
Stomach upset
Eating too much of anything can cause an upset stomach. Tomatoes, in particular, can cause stomach upset due to their acidity. You may also find that eating contaminated tomatoes may cause diarrhea due to salmonella poisoning. It is important to pick quality produce and clean them once you get them home.
You may also find that eating tomatoes cause acid reflux, also as a result of their acidity levels.
Kidney stones may form
When tomatoes are eaten in excess you may find that kidney stones are forming in your body. Why? Well, tomatoes contain calcium that can be difficult for the body to break down especially when consumed in high quantities.
Another problem that may occur is joint pain. The calcium buildup that may cause kidney stones, may also cause joint pain when tomatoes are eaten in excess.
Allergic reactions
Some people may be allergic to tomatoes and other similar plants. These people should avoid tomatoes and tomato-like plants to avoid an allergic reaction.
Consuming tomato plant leaves=poisoning
The leaves of the tomato plant and similar plants are not edible. Therefore, if the leaves are consumed then you may experience poisoning and you should seek urgent medical attention.
Fun facts about tomatoes
- Tomatoes are officially classified as a fruit because of their seeds and the fact that they grow from a flowering plant
- Native to Peru
- Cooked tomatoes actually offer more health benefits than raw tomatoes (no a common trait in fruits and vegetables)
