Weight Loss Benefits Of Tomatoes

Weight Loss Benefits of Tomatoes

Jan 10, 2011 | By Ashley Tyson

Whether you're beginning a new diet or trying to maintain your weight, eating foods conducive to your health is imperative in reaching your goal. With so many options in food and novelty dieting ideas, keeping things simple may be the most effective. Natural and basic foods such as tomatoes provide several weight loss benefits while also being cost-effective.

Low in Fat

Although there is a range of tomatoes available for purchase, all are naturally low in fat, making them ideal for an everyday addition to meals. One cup of raw tomato only contains 32 calories with the essential minerals calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, sodium, zinc, copper and fluoride, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Nutrient Database. This amount contains approximately 0.36 g of mono- and polyunsaturated fat, which helps to lower cholesterol and encourage heart health.

Dietary Fiber

Fresh fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of dietary fiber. MayoClinic.com recommends getting approximately 21 to 25 g of fiber each day if you're a woman and 30 to 38 g if you're a man. One cup of sliced tomatoes contains 2.2 g of dietary fiber, which includes both soluble and insoluble forms, the USDA Nutrient Database reports. Soluble fiber helps to regulate blood glucose levels and reduce cholesterol. Insoluble fiber promotes digestive health by regulating bowel movements and encouraging regularity for weight loss and maintenance.

Rich in Antioxidants

Tomatoes contain the powerful antioxidants vitamin A and C, as well as carotenoids, according to Drs. Paul and Patricia Bragg in the book "The Miracle of Fasting." Lycopene, for example, is a carotenoid pigment and phytochemical present in tomatoes that helps to enhance immunity and safeguard against free radical damage. A key part of healthy weight loss is ensuring your body is in optimal shape, particularly the immune system. In fact, immunity can boost weight loss, the authors note.