If you're looking for a healthy and flavorful ingredient to incorporate into your meals, look no further than stewed tomatoes. With just 97 calories in a whole 123.0 g tomato, stewed tomatoes are a great way to add nutrition and taste to any dish.
In addition to being low in calories, stewed tomatoes are packed with vitamins and minerals that are essential for good health. These include vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.
Read on to discover the many ways in which stewed tomatoes can benefit your health and add delicious flavor to your favorite meals.
Calorie Count of Stewed Tomato
As mentioned earlier, a whole 123.0 g tomato, stewed, contains just 97 calories. This makes stewed tomatoes a great option for those watching their weight or looking to incorporate more low-calorie foods into their diet. In comparison, a 123.0 g serving of spaghetti with tomato sauce contains around 160 calories. By using stewed tomatoes as a base for your tomato sauce, you can significantly reduce the calorie content of your favorite pasta dishes without sacrificing flavor. So next time you're planning a meal, consider reaching for a can of stewed tomatoes to keep things light and healthy.
Vitamins and Minerals in Stewed Tomato
Stewed tomatoes are not only low in calories, but they're also packed with essential vitamins and minerals that are important for good health. One medium-sized stewed tomato contains about 28% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C, which is essential for healthy skin, bones, and teeth. In addition, stewed tomatoes are an excellent source of potassium, a mineral that helps regulate blood pressure and prevent heart disease.
Stewed Tomatoes as an Antioxidant
Lycopene, the antioxidant found in high concentrations in stewed tomatoes, has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer. One study found that men who consumed the most lycopene-rich foods had a 21% lower risk of prostate cancer than those who consumed the least. So the next time you're looking for a healthy snack or ingredient, reach for some stewed tomatoes to get a boost of antioxidants and protect your cells from damage.
Stewed Tomatoes for Improved Digestion
The fiber in stewed tomatoes, combined with their high water content, can help keep your digestive system healthy and prevent constipation. In addition, the acidity in tomatoes has been shown to help regulate gut bacteria, which can also improve digestion and promote overall health. So if you're looking for a tasty and natural way to support your digestive system, add some stewed tomatoes to your next meal.
Stewed Tomatoes as a Low-Calorie Food
As we mentioned earlier, stewed tomatoes are a great low-calorie food option that can help support weight loss and a healthy diet. In addition to being low in calories, stewed tomatoes are high in fiber, which can help keep you feeling fuller for longer and reduce the desire to overeat. So if you're looking for a healthy and satisfying snack or meal ingredient, reach for some stewed tomatoes.
Stewed Tomatoes for Heart Health
The vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in stewed tomatoes make them an excellent food choice for promoting heart health. Potassium, in particular, has been shown to help regulate blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. So if you're looking for a heart-healthy ingredient to incorporate into your meals, consider reaching for a can of stewed tomatoes.
Stewed Tomatoes for Healthy Skin
The vitamin C in stewed tomatoes is essential for healthy skin, as it helps produce collagen, a protein that's important for skin structure and elasticity. In addition, the lycopene in tomatoes has been shown to protect skin from UV damage and prevent signs of aging. So if you're looking to support your skin health and appearance, add some stewed tomatoes to your diet.
Stewed Tomatoes for Eye Health
The vitamin A in stewed tomatoes is important for eye health, as it helps maintain healthy vision and prevent age-related macular degeneration. In addition, the lycopene in tomatoes has been shown to protect against oxidative damage in the eyes, which can contribute to cataracts and other eye problems. So if you want to support your eye health and protect your vision, consider adding some stewed tomatoes to your diet.
Stewed Tomatoes for Bone Health
The vitamin K in stewed tomatoes is essential for bone health, as it helps regulate calcium absorption and maintain bone density. In addition, the potassium in tomatoes has been shown to reduce the risk of osteoporosis and other bone-related diseases. So if you're looking to support your bone health and prevent age-related bone loss, consider incorporating some stewed tomatoes into your meals.
Stewed Tomatoes as a Versatile Ingredient
Stewed tomatoes are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide variety of dishes, from soups and stews to sauces and casseroles. Their rich flavor and low calorie content make them an excellent base for tomato sauces and dips, while their high fiber and nutrient content make them a healthy addition to any meal. So if you're looking for a flavorful and healthy ingredient to incorporate into your cooking, stewed tomatoes are a great choice.
Adding stewed tomatoes to your diet is an easy and delicious way to support your health and add rich flavor to your meals.
5 FAQs about Stewed Tomatoes
1. What are stewed tomatoes?
Stewed tomatoes are tomatoes that have been cooked down in liquid until they are soft and tender. They are often used as a base for sauces, soups, or stews.
2. How are stewed tomatoes typically prepared?
To prepare stewed tomatoes, fresh or canned tomatoes are cooked down in a pot with water or broth, along with seasonings like garlic, onion, and herbs. They are simmered until they are soft and the flavors have melded together.
3. What are the nutritional benefits of stewed tomatoes?
Stewed tomatoes are high in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C and potassium. They also contain lycopene, an antioxidant that has been linked to a reduced risk of certain cancers.
4. How can stewed tomatoes be used in cooking?
Stewed tomatoes are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. They can be used as a base for soups, stews, and sauces, or added to casseroles and baked dishes for flavor and moisture.
5. What are some dishes that can be made with stewed tomatoes?
Some popular dishes that use stewed tomatoes include spaghetti sauce, chili, and gumbo. Stewed tomatoes can also be used as a topping for pizza or as a filling for omelets and quiches.