If you're looking for a low-calorie and nutritious ingredient for your meals, then 1/2 cup (121 g) of Petite Diced Tomatoes is worth trying. With only 25 calories, this ingredient brings so many benefits to your health.

Aside from being low in calories, Petite Diced Tomatoes are also rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene. Vitamin A is essential for good vision, while vitamin C boosts your immune system. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure, and lycopene is a potent antioxidant that helps protect your body from damage caused by free radicals.

In this article, we'll explore other benefits of Petite Diced Tomatoes and how you can use them in various dishes.

Serving Size and Calories

As stated earlier, 1/2 cup (121 g) of Petite Diced Tomatoes contains 25 calories. This serving size is enough to add flavor and nutrition to your meals without adding too many calories. To put it into perspective, 1/2 cup (121 g) of cooked pasta contains around 100-120 calories, depending on the type of pasta. By swapping out some of your pasta with Petite Diced Tomatoes, you can lower the calorie count of your meal while still feeling full and satisfied.

Vitamins and Minerals

In addition to vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene, Petite Diced Tomatoes also contain other vitamins and minerals that are important for good health. One serving of Petite Diced Tomatoes provides about 10% of your daily requirement of vitamin K, which helps with blood clotting and bone health. It also contains small amounts of calcium, magnesium, and iron.

Rich Source of Antioxidants

As mentioned earlier, lycopene is a potent antioxidant found in tomatoes. Antioxidants help protect your body from damage caused by free radicals, which can lead to chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's. Studies have shown that a diet rich in tomatoes and tomato-based products is linked to a reduced risk of prostate cancer in men. Other studies suggest that the antioxidants in tomatoes may also have a protective effect against breast cancer and lung cancer.

Helps Maintain Cardiovascular Health

Petite Diced Tomatoes are also great for your heart health. The potassium in tomatoes helps regulate blood pressure, while the lycopene and other antioxidants help reduce the risk of heart disease. Moreover, the fiber in tomatoes helps lower cholesterol levels and reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Promotes Skin Health

Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, which is essential for collagen production. Collagen is a protein that helps keep your skin firm and youthful-looking. Moreover, the lycopene in tomatoes helps protect your skin from UV damage, which can lead to premature aging and skin cancer. By incorporating Petite Diced Tomatoes into your diet, you can improve your skin's health and appearance.

Aids in Digestion

The fiber in tomatoes also helps promote good digestion. It adds bulk to your stool and prevents constipation. Moreover, tomatoes contain natural acids that help stimulate the production of digestive juices, which aids in the breakdown of food. Additionally, the water content in tomatoes helps keep you hydrated, which is essential for good digestion.

May Help Prevent Cancer

As previously mentioned, tomatoes and tomato-based products have been linked to a lower risk of prostate, breast, and lung cancer. The antioxidants in tomatoes help prevent DNA damage and reduce inflammation, which are risk factors for cancer. Moreover, the lycopene in tomatoes has been shown to have anti-cancer properties, particularly for prostate cancer.

Excellent Addition to Weight Loss Diet

Petite Diced Tomatoes are a great addition to a weight loss diet. As mentioned earlier, they are low in calories but high in fiber, which helps keep you full and satiated. By incorporating more tomatoes into your meals, you can reduce your overall calorie intake without feeling deprived. Moreover, tomatoes add flavor and nutrition to your meals without the need for added sugar or fat. By swapping out high-calorie ingredients with Petite Diced Tomatoes, you can lower the calorie count of your meals without sacrificing taste.

Can be Used in Various Dishes

One of the great things about Petite Diced Tomatoes is its versatility. It can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads, soups, stews, sauces, and pasta dishes. You can also add some spices and herbs to give it more flavor. For example, you can add some garlic and basil for an Italian-inspired dish, or some cumin and coriander for a Mexican-inspired meal.

Ideal for Canning

If you have a lot of tomatoes and want to preserve them, canning is a great option. Petite Diced Tomatoes are ideal for canning because of their small size and uniform shape. You can use canned tomatoes in various dishes, just like fresh ones. Moreover, canned tomatoes have a longer shelf life than fresh ones, so you can enjoy them all year round.

Fresh or Canned - Which is Better?

Both fresh and canned tomatoes have their own advantages and disadvantages. Fresh tomatoes have a better taste and texture, but they are seasonal and have a shorter shelf life. On the other hand, canned tomatoes are available all year round and have a longer shelf life, but they may contain added preservatives. If you have access to fresh and ripe tomatoes, then by all means use them in your recipes. However, if fresh tomatoes are not available or are too expensive, then canned tomatoes are a good alternative.