Read on to find out which health benefits cherry tomatoes provide!
Heirloom, beefsteak, roma, brandywine, there are many varieties of this amazing plump, red, juicy vegetable – well, technically, fruit. With so many varieties, it seems like there has to be something for every pallet. Many people, however, have a love-hate relationship with tomatoes: they love them in a sauce but hate them fresh and whole. Cherry tomatoes are often the exception, though, because they are cute, pop-able, and delicious. People who love tomatoes also seem to love cherry tomatoes, so they really are the best of the bunch. Cherry tomatoes also offer a host of health benefits. Read on for three great reasons to work them into your diet.
They’re Rich In Potassium
Tomatoes in general are very rich in potassium, and cherry tomatoes are no exception. In fact, just 10 cherry tomatoes have almost as much potassium as a medium banana (the undisputed king of high potassium fruits). Increasing your potassium consumption could help lower blood pressure, since it improves the body’s ability to excrete sodium. Most adults need 4700 mg of potassium a day, and those ten cherry tomatoes get you about 10% of the way there. Before beginning a potassium rich diet, discuss your plan with your doctor. If you have kidney issues, high-potassium foods may do more harm than good, but for most people increasing their potassium intake with delicious cherry tomatoes is a good move.
They’re Low Calorie
If you’re trying to lose weight, or even just watching your calorie intake, cherry tomatoes are a great nutritional choice. They are technically a fruit, but because they are low in sugar and rich in vitamins and minerals, we consider them vegetables. They have fairly low calories, especially compared to their mass (low caloric density), so they help you feel full without costing you a lot of calories. Ten cherry tomatoes is about a cup and in total they are only about 30 calories. Those ten cherry tomatoes also have about 2 grams of fiber, another important factor in feeling full and satisfied by your food. Altogether, cherry tomatoes are a great addition to your menu if your counting calories.
They Protect Against Free Radicals
Finally, cherry tomatoes may help protect you from free radicals. Free radicals are toxic substances that can damage your cells. The nutrients in tomatoes, such as beta carotene and lycopene, are antioxidants that may help protect you from this damage. Lycopene has been shown to reduce the risk of certain cancers. Cherry tomatoes sautéed in olive oil or on a dressed salad of microgreens are both great, delicious ways to get more lycopene from your diet.
MORE TOMATO QUESTIONS? BAYWATER FARMS IS HERE TO HELP!
Baywater Farms is a family owned and operated farm that services Baltimore, Washington, Hyattsville, Salisbury, and Maryland and Delaware beaches. We grow all types of things like hydroponic lettuce, heirloom beefsteak tomatoes, shishito peppers, spring mix, custom grows, radish mix, Maryland fish peppers, and much much more. Our trained professionals will help you with whatever you need.