The Benefits of Eating Tomatoes in Weight Loss

Dieticians and nutritionists look at tomatoes as a powerful ally in weight loss. A red, plump, and juicy tomato is known as “appetite-suppressant” due to its high amounts of fiber and water.

As fiber takes time to digest, it brings a sense of fullness to the body, turning you to crave less. Fiber also helps prevent bad digestion which is closely linked to weight gain.

Eating a tomato enhances the body’s ability to burn its fat, courtesy of the amino acid called Carnitine. This kind of amino acid contributes to the regulation of fatty acids.

A tomato is a great dietary source of Vitamin C, folate, potassium, phosphorus, and lutein. Its lycopene nutrient can help in speeding up the body’s metabolism naturally.

An average-size tomato is packed with 22 calories. With its low-calorie and carbohydrate content, a tomato is a big boost in your weight loss diet.

Tomatoes and veggies

A 1/2 cup of raw red tomatoes contains 18 kcal, 3.89 g carbohydrates, 0.2 g fats, 0.88 g protein, 1.2 g fiber, and 2.3 g sugars (glucose and fructose). Not to mention, the antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

Plus, eating fruits, including tomatoes, every day can lower the risk of developing serious medical problems, according to the World Health Organization.

Tomato diets for weight loss 

Having tomatoes in your weight loss diet is easy. You can start by directly buying it at your favorite supermarket or you can try growing tomatoes upside down. There are plenty of ways to make tomatoes more palatable in your weight loss diet. Following your tomato-only diet helps you burn at least 5 pounds or 2.5 kilos in half of a week.

Red tomatoes

However, it is recommended to have 3-4 days only for this kind of diet because it cannot be well-balanced anymore. A tomato diet may be difficult to complete.

On the other hand, you can try adding tomatoes into your well-balanced meal which brings more health advantages without causing any harm compared to restricting yourself to eating tomatoes alone.

You might not attain that perfect slimming figure but you will get more benefits in terms of good health and wellness.

Tomato meals

Best tomato recipes to try for weight loss

Tomatoes can make excellent salads and juices. Thus, it is also good for you to try its other potentials in your weight loss diet.

A tomato in your broths and soups can also turn your ordinary meal into a delightful one. You can also grill a tomato to pair with your grilled chicken, fish, or lean meat. Simply add tomato to your cucumber sandwich or vegetable omelets.

You can also chop a tomato and add it to your vegetable dish with basil leaves and olives.

You may also blend a tomato paste, lemon juice, 2 cups of water, and salt. Drinking tomato juice is a perfect way to reduce your belly fat.

Tomato in pasta

More quick steps for tomato-packed meals

Fill a cup of tomato soup for lunch or dinner.

 Toss some tomato slices into your pasta, pizzas, cheese, and kebabs.

 Place additional tomato slices on your sandwich.

 Garnish your favorite salad with more chopped tomatoes.

Add fresh slices of tomatoes to omelets or boiled eggs.

Tomatoes and salad

Prepare a tomato smoothie or tomato choice.

 Toss some chopped tomatoes into your stew or curry.

 Toss some tomato slices to your cup of blueberries, peach, grapes, apple, and yogurt.

 Cook mackerel in tomato sauce.

 Make yourself a fricassee of vegetables with tomatoes.

 Add a generous amount of tomato slices to your lettuce and chicken, and soup.

Tomato food tray

Some health benefits from eating tomatoes

Eating tomatoes will not only help you in your weight loss diet but also boost your health condition and protect you from different diseases.

1. Reduces the risk of heart diseases

The potassium in tomatoes helps reduce the chance of cardiovascular ailments. Eating tomatoes can lead to the lessening of bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) and to the enhancement of good cholesterol (HDL cholesterol) levels. HDL cholesterol helps weight loss and protects you from the risk of heart disease.

2. Improves immune system

The antioxidants in tomatoes can help in repairing your body’s damaged cells and aid the immune system. Tomato is cholesterol-free. It also enhances the muscles and lessens the production of kidney stones.

3. Lessens the risk of cancer

The Vitamin C and antioxidants in tomatoes attack the free radicals that cause cancer growth in the body.

4. Improves eyesight

The vitamins in tomatoes are useful in preventing eye diseases such as cataracts. It helps in strengthening eye muscles, thereby improving your eyesight.

5. Increases collagen protection

Vitamin C, which is responsible for collagen production, promotes healthy skin, nails, hair, and tissues. As tomato is packed with Vitamin C, you will have a good chance of preserving your youthful appearance.

6. Improves healthy digestive system

The rich nutrients and antioxidants in tomatoes can improve your gut health. The vitamins in tomatoes can act as “prebiotic,” increasing the growth of good bacteria in the digestive system. Having a good digestion will help you achieve healthy bowel movements. It will improve your weight loss experience.

Tomato meal

Some negative effects in overconsuming tomatoes

There is a danger in consuming too many tomatoes. It should be taken moderately when a person is prescribed some beta-blockers or types of medications usually for heart problems.

Due to the high content of potassium in tomatoes, this may also increase the potassium levels in the blood.

The overconsumption of potassium can bring harm to people who have impaired kidney functions. Tomatoes are acidic, thus you must avoid overeating them because it may lead to heartburn, vomiting, and Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Thus, it is advised that you have to get your doctor’s permission in trying the tomato diet for your weight loss plan.