Tomatoes fulfill many culinary roles, from providing a staple ingredient in fresh salads to supplying the main ingredient in numerous sauces and additives. Cherry tomatoes tend to ripen earlier and smaller than many other types of tomatoes. These small tomatoes provide a nutritious and versatile source of calories.
Nutrients
Like many fruits and vegetables, cherry tomatoes are nutrient-dense, meaning they contain a minimal amount of calories, while providing numerous vitamins and minerals. One cup of cherry tomatoes that weighs 149 grams supplies your body with just 27 calories. The single-cup serving also provides 1.31 grams of protein, .30 grams of fat and 5.8 grams of carbohydrates, as well as 353 milligrams of potassium, 16 milligrams of magnesium, 36 milligrams of phosphorus, 20.4 milligrams of vitamin C, 22 micrograms of folate and 3,834 micrograms of lycopene.
Carbohydrates
The carbohydrate content of cherry tomatoes help you provide your body with an important source of fuel for energy. The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations recommend that you eat at least 55 percent of your total energy in the form of carbohydrates. Your body uses carbohydrates to form glucose, the main fuel that supports your central nervous system and may help promote optimal cognitive function.
Lycopene
Along with other carotenoids, lycopene is a chemical that gives cherry tomatoes their color. Lycopene is an antioxidant nutrient that may help protect the health of your cells and organs. People consume lycopene as a treatment for various conditions, including cancer, heart disease atherosclerosis and cataracts, although more research is necessary to confirm these potential benefits. Cooking the tomatoes helps your body absorb the lycopene.
Warning
Although cherry tomatoes are nutritious fruits, some people may have an allergy to this type of garden produce. Consuming excessive amounts of any one food can lead to a reduction in the intake of other important nutrients. Avoid using foods and food substances, including cherry tomatoes and lycopene, in place of standard medical treatments for cancer and other life-threatening conditions, without first discussing this type of complementary medicine with a trusted health professional.
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