Tomatoes are one of the most popular and versatile fruits in the world. They are used in salads, sandwiches, sauces, soups, and many other dishes. But there are how many calories in tomato slice? And what are the health benefits of eating tomatoes? In this blog post, I will answer these questions and more. You will learn about the nutritional value, health benefits, and best ways to enjoy tomatoes.
Calories in Tomato Slice
A tomato slice is a thin piece of tomato that is usually cut from a medium-sized tomato. The size and thickness of a tomato slice can vary, but on average, a tomato slice weighs about 20 grams. According to the USDA, there are 4 calories in 1 medium slice of tomatoes. The calories come from 0.04g of fat, 0.78g of carbs, and 0.18g of protein. Tomatoes are also a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants.
What are the Nutritional Benefits of Tomatoes?
Tomatoes are not only low in calories but also high in nutrients. They provide many benefits for your health and well-being. Here are some of the nutritional benefits of tomatoes:
Vitamin C
Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. Vitamin C also supports your immune system, wound healing, collagen synthesis, and iron absorption. One tomato slice provides about 5% of the daily value (DV) of vitamin C.
Vitamin A
Tomatoes are also a good source of vitamin A, which is essential for your vision, skin, and mucous membranes. Vitamin A also helps your body fight infections and inflammation. One tomato slice provides about 4% of the DV of vitamin A.
Potassium
Tomatoes contain potassium, which is a mineral that helps regulate your blood pressure, fluid balance, nerve impulses, and muscle contractions. Potassium also helps prevent kidney stones and osteoporosis. One tomato slice provides about 2% of the DV of potassium.
Folate
Tomatoes provide folate, which is a B vitamin that is involved in DNA synthesis, cell division, and red blood cell production. Folate is especially important for pregnant women, as it helps prevent neural tube defects in the developing fetus. One tomato slice provides about 1% of the DV of folate.
Lycopene
Tomatoes are famous for their lycopene content, which is a carotenoid pigment that gives tomatoes their red color. Lycopene is another antioxidant that has been linked to lower risk of certain cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and age-related macular degeneration. One tomato slice provides about 0.8 milligrams of lycopene.
What are the Health Benefits of Tomatoes?
Tomatoes are not only nutritious but also beneficial for your health. They can help you prevent or manage various conditions and diseases. Here are some of the health benefits of tomatoes:
- Tomatoes can help you lose weight. Tomatoes are low in calories, but high in water and fiber. This means that they can fill you up without adding too many calories to your diet. Tomatoes also have a low glycemic index, which means that they do not cause a rapid spike in your blood sugar levels.
- Tomatoes can improve your skin. Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and lycopene, which can help your skin look younger and healthier. Vitamin C can boost your collagen production, which can reduce wrinkles and sagging.
- Tomatoes can lower your cholesterol. Tomatoes contain a compound called pectin, which is a type of soluble fiber that can bind to cholesterol in your digestive tract and prevent it from being absorbed into your bloodstream. This can help lower your total and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, which can reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Tomatoes can prevent urinary tract infections. Tomatoes have a high water content, which can help flush out bacteria and toxins from your urinary tract. Tomatoes also have a low pH, which can make your urine more acidic and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. This can help prevent or treat urinary tract infections, such as cystitis and pyelonephritis.
- Tomatoes can boost your mood. Tomatoes contain a substance called tyramine, which is a precursor of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is responsible for your feelings of pleasure, motivation, and reward.
How to Enjoy Tomatoes?
Tomatoes are delicious and versatile, and you can enjoy them in many ways. Here are some of the best ways to eat tomatoes:
- Eat them raw. You can eat tomatoes as they are, or slice them and add them to your salads, sandwiches, wraps, or burgers. You can also sprinkle some salt, pepper, basil, or oregano on them for extra flavor.
- Cook them. You can cook tomatoes in various ways, such as roasting, grilling, baking, or sautéing. You can also make tomato sauce, soup, salsa, or chutney with them. Cooking tomatoes can enhance their lycopene content and make them more digestible.
- Drink them. You can drink tomato juice, smoothie, or cocktail. You can also make tomato tea by steeping tomato slices in hot water and adding some honey, lemon, or ginger. Drinking tomatoes can hydrate you and provide you with antioxidants and vitamins.
- Preserve them. You can preserve tomatoes by drying, freezing, canning, or pickling them. You can also make tomato paste, ketchup, or jam with them. Preserving tomatoes can extend their shelf life and allow you to enjoy them all year round.
Conclusion
Tomatoes are a wonderful fruit that can offer you many benefits. They are low in calories, but high in nutrients and antioxidants. They can help you lose weight, improve your skin, lower your cholesterol, prevent urinary tract infections, and boost your mood.
You can enjoy tomatoes in various ways, such as eating them raw, cooking them, drinking them, or preserving them. Tomatoes are a great addition to your diet, and you should eat them regularly. If you found this blog post useful, please share it with your friends and family. Thank you for reading!
FAQ
How many calories are in a whole tomato?
The number of calories in a whole tomato depends on its size and variety. According to the USDA, a small tomato (91 grams) has 16 calories, a medium tomato (123 grams) has 22 calories, a large tomato (182 grams) has 33 calories, and an extra large tomato (246 grams) has 44 calories.
How many slices are in a tomato?
The number of slices in a tomato depends on how thick you cut them and how big the tomato is. On average, a medium tomato can yield about 6 slices, each weighing about 20 grams.
What are the best types of tomatoes for slicing?
The best types of tomatoes for slicing are firm, ripe, and juicy. Some of the most popular varieties are beefsteak, heirloom, roma, and cherry tomatoes. You can also try different colors, such as red, yellow, green, or purple tomatoes.
How to store tomato slices?
The best way to store tomato slices is to refrigerate them in an airtight container or a ziplock bag. You can also wrap them in a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. You should use them within 2 to 3 days, as they can lose their flavor and texture over time.
How to use leftover tomato slices?
You can use leftover tomato slices in many ways, such as making a salad, a sandwich, a pizza, a quiche, or a frittata. You can also blend them with some water, salt, and pepper to make a quick tomato soup. Or you can freeze them and use them later for cooking.
