Calories in Small Tomato: A Nutritious Addition to Your Diet
If you’re looking for a low-calorie snack that’s bursting with flavor, small tomatoes might be just what you need. These bite-sized fruits are packed with nutrients and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. In this article, we’ll explore the nutritional profile of small tomatoes, their caloric value, and the health benefits they offer. We’ll also provide tips for incorporating small tomatoes into your diet and help you understand how to read food labels to make informed choices.
Small tomatoes are a great source of vitamins and minerals. They’re particularly rich in vitamin C, which is important for maintaining a healthy immune system. They also contain potassium, which can help regulate blood pressure, and vitamin K, which is essential for healthy bones. Additionally, small tomatoes are a good source of fiber, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.
Despite their small size, small tomatoes can pack a big nutritional punch. A single small tomato contains just 18-22 calories, making it a great choice for anyone watching their calorie intake. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack or a tasty addition to your favorite recipes, small tomatoes are a versatile and nutritious option.
Key Takeaways
- Small tomatoes are a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.
- A single small tomato contains just 18-22 calories, making it a great choice for anyone watching their calorie intake.
- Small tomatoes can be enjoyed in a variety of ways and are a versatile and nutritious addition to any diet.
Nutritional Profile of a Small Tomato
A small tomato is a low-calorie fruit that is packed with nutrients. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at the nutritional profile of a small tomato.
Vitamin Content
Small tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C, providing 20% of your daily recommended intake in just one small tomato. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy immune system. It also helps your body absorb iron from plant-based foods.
In addition to vitamin C, small tomatoes are also a good source of vitamin K, providing 7% of your daily recommended intake. Vitamin K is important for bone health and plays a role in blood clotting.
Mineral Content
Small tomatoes are also a good source of minerals. They are particularly high in potassium, providing 292 mg per small tomato. Potassium is an important mineral that helps regulate blood pressure and can reduce the risk of stroke.
Small tomatoes also contain small amounts of other minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. These minerals are important for bone health and muscle function.
In summary, small tomatoes are a nutrient-dense food that can provide a variety of vitamins and minerals in just one serving. Adding small tomatoes to your diet can help you meet your daily nutrient needs and support a healthy lifestyle.
Caloric Value of Small Tomatoes
Small tomatoes are a great addition to a healthy diet. They are low in calories but high in vitamins and minerals. In this section, we will explore the caloric value of small tomatoes and how they compare to other types of tomatoes. We will also discuss the difference in calories between raw and cooked small tomatoes.
Comparison with Other Tomatoes
Small tomatoes are the perfect snack for those who are watching their calorie intake. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), one small tomato (2 2/5″ in diameter) contains just 16 calories [1]. This is significantly lower than other types of tomatoes. For example, one medium-sized beefsteak tomato contains around 35 calories [2].
Cherry tomatoes are another popular type of tomato. They are smaller than small tomatoes and contain fewer calories. One cherry tomato contains just 3 calories [3]. However, small tomatoes are still a great choice because they are more filling and contain more nutrients.
Calories in Raw vs Cooked
The way you prepare small tomatoes can also affect their caloric value. Raw small tomatoes contain fewer calories than cooked small tomatoes. This is because cooking breaks down the cell walls in the tomato, making it easier for your body to digest and absorb the nutrients [4].
One small raw tomato contains about 3.5 grams of carbohydrates and 1 gram of fiber. It also contains only about 20 calories [1]. On the other hand, one small cooked tomato contains about 25 calories [4]. This is because cooking adds oil or other ingredients that increase the calorie count.
In summary, small tomatoes are a great addition to a healthy diet. They are low in calories, high in vitamins and minerals, and more filling than other types of tomatoes. Whether you prefer them raw or cooked, small tomatoes are a nutritious and delicious snack option.
[1] https://www.nutritionix.com/food/tomato/1-small
[2] https://www.fatsecret.com/calories-nutrition/generic/tomatoes-beefsteak-raw?portionid=23473&portionamount=1.000
[3] https://www.fatsecret.com/calories-nutrition/generic/tomatoes-cherry-raw?portionid=23475&portionamount=1.000
[4] https://www.livestrong.com/article/308862-the-calories-in-cooked-tomatoes/
Health Benefits of Small Tomatoes
Small tomatoes not only taste great but also have several health benefits. Here are some of the benefits of consuming small tomatoes:
Weight Management
Small tomatoes are low in calories and high in fiber, making them an excellent choice for weight management. One small tomato contains only about 18 calories and 0.6 grams of fiber, which can help you feel full for longer periods and prevent overeating. Incorporating small tomatoes into your diet can help you maintain a healthy weight.
Heart Health
Small tomatoes are rich in nutrients that are important for heart health. They are a good source of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. Additionally, small tomatoes contain lycopene, an antioxidant that has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease. Consuming small tomatoes regularly can help keep your heart healthy.
In summary, small tomatoes are a nutritious and delicious addition to any diet. They are low in calories and high in fiber, making them an excellent choice for weight management. Small tomatoes are also rich in nutrients that are important for heart health, such as potassium and lycopene. Incorporating small tomatoes into your diet is an easy way to boost your overall health.
Incorporating Small Tomatoes into Your Diet
Small tomatoes are a versatile and nutritious ingredient that you can easily incorporate into your diet. Here are some simple recipes and snacking ideas to help you get started.
Simple Recipes
Small tomatoes can be used in a variety of recipes, from salads to pasta dishes. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Caprese salad: Combine sliced small tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- Tomato soup: Simmer small tomatoes with garlic, onion, and vegetable broth. Blend until smooth and season with salt and pepper.
- Bruschetta: Toast slices of bread and top with diced small tomatoes, garlic, and basil. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Snacking Ideas
Small tomatoes make a great snack on their own or paired with other ingredients. Here are some ideas to try:
- Tomato skewers: Thread small tomatoes onto skewers with mozzarella balls and basil leaves.
- Tomato and avocado toast: Toast a slice of bread and top with mashed avocado and sliced small tomatoes.
- Tomato and hummus: Dip small tomatoes into hummus for a healthy and satisfying snack.
Incorporating small tomatoes into your diet is a great way to add flavor and nutrition to your meals and snacks. Try these recipes and snacking ideas to enjoy the benefits of this delicious ingredient.
Understanding Food Labels
When it comes to understanding the nutritional value of the food you eat, reading food labels is essential. The information provided on the label can help you make informed decisions about what you eat. Here are some important things to look for when reading a food label:
Serving Sizes
The serving size listed on the label is the amount of food that the nutritional information is based on. It is important to pay attention to serving sizes because the calorie and nutrient content can vary greatly depending on how much you eat. For example, if the serving size for a can of soup is half a cup, but you eat the whole can, you will need to double the calories and other nutritional values listed on the label.
Daily Values
The Daily Values (DV) listed on the label can help you determine if a food is high or low in certain nutrients. The DV is based on a 2,000 calorie diet, so if you eat more or less than 2,000 calories a day, your daily values may be different. The DV is listed as a percentage and tells you how much of a nutrient one serving of the food provides compared to the total amount you need in a day.
When it comes to calories in a small tomato, one small (2 2/5″ in diameter) tomato (91g) provides 16 calories, according to Verywell Fit. The calorie content of a small tomato may not seem like much, but it is important to keep in mind the serving size and how many tomatoes you are consuming. By understanding food labels and paying attention to serving sizes and daily values, you can make informed decisions about the food you eat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories can I find in a small raw tomato?
A small raw tomato, which is about 2 2/5 inches in diameter, contains just 16 calories, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). [1]
What are the nutritional facts for one small tomato?
In addition to being low in calories, a small tomato contains 0.8g of protein, 3.5g of carbohydrates, and 0.2g of fat. Tomatoes are also an excellent source of vitamin C, fiber, and vitamin K. [2]
Can you tell me the calorie count for 10 small cherry tomatoes?
Ten small cherry tomatoes contain approximately 30 calories. [3]
What’s the calorie content in 100 grams of tomatoes?
One hundred grams of raw tomatoes contain approximately 18 calories. [4]
Are there any health benefits specific to small tomatoes?
Small tomatoes are packed with nutrients that can benefit your health. They are a good source of vitamin C, which helps support your immune system, and vitamin K, which is important for blood clotting. Tomatoes also contain lycopene, an antioxidant that may help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. [2]
Could you list any potential side effects from eating tomatoes?
Tomatoes are generally safe to eat, but some people may be allergic to them. Symptoms of a tomato allergy can include itching, swelling, and difficulty breathing. In rare cases, tomatoes may also cause digestive issues such as heartburn or diarrhea. [5]
