Tomatoes

Raw tomatoes

Source: USDA Nutrient Database. Protein daily value based on ISSN Position Stand for an individual weighing ~150 lbs.

Tomatoes FAQ

Table of Contents

• Are tomatoes keto?
• Are tomatoes low FODMAP?
• Are tomatoes high in potassium?
• Are tomatoes gluten-free?
• Are tomatoes high in carbs?
• Are tomatoes paleo?
• Are tomatoes high in sugar?
• Are tomatoes high in fiber?
• Are tomatoes a good source of protein?
• Are tomatoes high in fat?
• Are tomatoes high in cholesterol?
• Are tomatoes low in sodium?
• Are tomatoes high in antioxidants?
• Are tomatoes high in magnesium?
• Do tomatoes contain vitamin D?
• Are tomatoes a good source of iron?
• Are tomatoes a good source of Vitamin C?
• Are tomatoes high in Vitamin A?
• Does a tomato contain calcium?
• Are tomatoes high in lysine?
• Are tomatoes high in oxalate?
• Are tomatoes high in tyramine?
• Are tomatoes low histamine?
• Do tomatoes contain uric acid?
• Are tomatoes high in arginine?
• Are tomatoes high in nickel?
• Are tomatoes low acid?
• Do tomatoes contain purines?
• Is tomato high in phosphorus?
• Are tomatoes good for fertility?
• Are tomatoes vegan?
• Do tomatoes contain vitamin K?
• Do tomatoes increase estrogen?
• Do tomatoes increase testosterone?
• What are some tomato alternatives?
• Are tomatoes kosher?
• Can you eat tomatoes on the Atkins diet?
• Does tomato contain collagen?
• Are tomatoes high in lectins?

Are tomatoes keto?

Yes, tomatoes can be included in a ketogenic or keto diet. The keto diet typically restricts carbs to 20-50 grams per day depending on the version of the diet you are on. Tomatoes are lower on the carbohydrate scale, with a medium-sized tomato containing about 5 grams of carbs. A large portion of these carbs come from simple sugars, which are what a keto diet aims to keep to a minimum, but consuming tomatoes in reasonable quantities can fit into a keto diet.

Are tomatoes low FODMAP?

Yes, certain varieties of tomatoes are considered low FODMAP. A low FODMAP diet typically includes foods that have reduced amounts of certain carbohydrates that can trigger digestive issues. Cherry tomatoes, common tomatoes, and Roma tomatoes are low in FODMAPs. However, canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, or tomato paste may contain higher amounts of FODMAPs primarily because of the concentration of the products.

Are tomatoes high in potassium?

No, tomatoes are not high in potassium, but do contain some potassium. A medium-sized tomato contains around 292 milligrams of potassium, which is 6% of the recommended daily value (DV) for potassium. Considering the daily recommended intake of potassium for an average adult is about 4,700 milligrams, consuming tomatoes can contribute significantly to meeting this goal.

Are tomatoes gluten-free?

Yes, tomatoes are naturally gluten-free. Gluten is a type of protein found in certain grains, like wheat, barley and rye. As fruits, tomatoes do not contain these grains or their protein. However, processed tomato products like soups or sauces could potentially contain added gluten, so it’s important to check labels if you’re following a strict gluten-free diet.

Are tomatoes high in carbs?

No, tomatoes are not considered high in carbohydrates. One medium-sized tomato contains about 4.8 grams of carbs, which only constitutes about 2% of the standard 2000 calorie daily intake.

Are tomatoes paleo?

Yes, tomatoes are considered Paleo-friendly. The Paleo Diet emphasizes whole foods, fruits, and vegetables, all of which tomatoes fall under.

Are tomatoes high in sugar?

No, tomatoes are not high in sugar. A medium-sized tomato contains approximately 3.2 grams of sugar, which is naturally occurring sugars in tomatoes. For context, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting added sugars to less than 10% of calories daily.

Are tomatoes high in fiber?

Tomatoes contain a moderate amount of fiber with 1.5 grams in one medium-sized tomato. This contributes about 5% towards the daily recommended intake of 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men. While tomatoes cannot be considered a high fiber food, they can certainly contribute to your daily fiber intake.

Are tomatoes a good source of protein?

No, tomatoes are not typically considered a good source of protein. A medium-sized tomato contains approximately 1 gram of protein which is about 1% of the daily recommended intake for adults, which ranges from 46 grams for women to 56 grams for men.

Are tomatoes high in fat?

No, tomatoes are not high in fat. In fact, a medium-sized tomato contains virtually no fat, less than 0.2 grams. The recommended daily intake of fat for adults is around 70 grams. Thus, tomatoes contribute almost nothing towards this allotment.

Are tomatoes high in cholesterol?

No, tomatoes do not contain any cholesterol. It’s important to note that cholesterol is only found in animal products. Therefore, as a plant, tomatoes are naturally cholesterol-free.

Are tomatoes low in sodium?

Yes, tomatoes are low in sodium. A medium-sized tomato contains about 6 mg of sodium. Since the recommended daily intake is less than 2,300 mg, tomatoes are indeed a good choice for maintaining a low-sodium diet.

Are tomatoes high in antioxidants?

Yes, tomatoes are high in antioxidants, in particular vitamin C and lycopene. A medium-sized ripe tomato typically contains about 17 milligrams of vitamin C, translating to approximately 19% of the recommended daily value for women and 15% for men. Lycopene is noted for its potential in reducing the risk of some types of cancer and heart disease.

Are tomatoes high in magnesium?

No, tomatoes are not particularly high in magnesium. A medium-sized tomato contains around 14 milligrams of magnesium, which is about 3% of the recommended daily value for adults.

Do tomatoes contain vitamin D?

No, tomatoes do not contain vitamin D. While tomatoes are rich in other vitamins like vitamin C and K, they do not naturally contain any vitamin D.

Are tomatoes a good source of iron?

No, tomatoes are not considered a good source of iron. A medium-sized tomato contains approximately 0.3 milligrams of iron, which is about 2% of the recommended daily value for adult men and about 1.7% for women who are of non-menopausal age. If iron is a concern, better plant-based sources might include beans, lentils or spinach.

Are tomatoes a good source of Vitamin C?

Yes, tomatoes are a good source of Vitamin C. One medium-sized tomato contains approximately 16.9 mg of Vitamin C, which is about 19% of the daily recommended value. Consuming tomatoes can significantly contribute to your Vitamin C intake.

Are tomatoes high in Vitamin A?

Yes, tomatoes are also rich in Vitamin A. A single medium tomato can provide about 20% of the recommended daily value, which is around 1025 International Units (IU). Vitamin A is crucial for good vision and a healthy immune system.

Does a tomato contain calcium?

While tomatoes do contain calcium, they’re not considered a high source. One medium tomato has about 12 mg of calcium, which is about 1.2% of the recommended daily value. For a high calcium intake, incorporate other foods such as dairy products or leafy greens into your diet.

Are tomatoes high in lysine?

No, tomatoes are not a high source of lysine, an essential amino acid. One cup of chopped tomatoes contains roughly 69 mg of lysine. As adults typically require about 30 mg of lysine per kg of their body weight per day, tomatoes alone would not be sufficient to meet your daily lysine requirements. Supplementing your diet with other lysine-rich foods like meat or soy would be preferable for your lysine intake.

Are tomatoes high in oxalate?

No, tomatoes are not high in oxalates. They generally contain a low to moderate amount of oxalates, roughly estimated at around 5-15 milligrams per 100 grams of the food, which is well below the recommended daily value. Individuals prone to calcium-oxalate kidney stones are generally advised to consume less than 50-60 milligrams of oxalate per day.

Are tomatoes high in tyramine?

Generally, no, fresh tomatoes are not high in tyramine. Tyramine is found in significant amounts in aged, preserved, fermented, or spoiled foods, tomatoes don’t usually fall in this category. However, overripe or spoiled tomatoes and certain tomato-based products like sun-dried tomatoes or certain tomato sauces could contain higher levels of tyramine.

Are tomatoes low histamine?

Yes, fresh tomatoes can be considered low in histamine, as they are not aged, fermented, or preserved. However, processed tomato products like canned tomatoes, tomato sauces, ketchup, or juice could have higher histamine levels due to the processing and preservation methods. If you are sensitive to histamine, it’s better to stick to fresh tomatoes.

Do tomatoes contain uric acid?

No, tomatoes do not produce or contain uric acid. Uric acid is a waste product produced by the body when it breaks down purines. Tomatoes do contain a small amount of purines, but the amount is not typically enough to cause a significant increase in uric acid levels. That being said, some research and anecdotal evidence suggest that tomatoes might aggravate gout symptoms in some people, possibly due to individual metabolic differences rather than their direct purine content. However, as of now, this claim does not have enough scientific backing, and tomatoes are generally considered safe to include in a diet for people who have gout, in moderation.

Are tomatoes high in arginine?

No, tomatoes are not high in arginine. 100g of raw tomatoes contains approximately 0.211g of arginine. As there is currently no recommended daily intake for arginine, we can’t say if this is a lot or a little compared to what you need, but this is considered rather low compared to other plant-based sources of arginine such as pumpkin seeds or soybeans.

Are tomatoes high in nickel?

No, tomatoes are not typically high in nickel. Although actual quantity may vary depending on soil and environmental conditions, the nickel content of tomatoes is generally quite low, with an estimated average of 0.12 mg per kg. For reference, the tolerable upper intake level for nickel per day for adults is approximately 1 mg. If you do have a specific sensitivity to nickel, however, it’s important to consult with a health professional.

Are tomatoes low acid?

No, tomatoes are not low in acid. They have a pH value in the range of 4.3 to 4.9, which categorizes them as a high acid food. Individuals with acid reflux or similar conditions could potentially find that the acidity of tomatoes exacerbates their symptoms.

Do tomatoes contain purines?

Yes, tomatoes do contain purines but in a moderate amount. A 100g serving of tomatoes contains about 11mg of purines. The general purine restriction for those concerned with such substances, as in the case of gout sufferers, is around 100-150mg per day, making tomatoes a viable addition to the diet within these parameters. As always, consultation with a health professional is recommended for personalized dietary advice.

Is tomato high in phosphorus?

No, tomatoes are not particularly high in phosphorus. A medium-sized raw tomato (about 123 grams) contains approximately 30 milligrams of phosphorus, which is around 2% of the daily recommended value for adults.

Are tomatoes good for fertility?

Yes, tomatoes can be beneficial for fertility. They contain a powerful antioxidant called lycopene, which has been shown to improve sperm morphology and motility. Tomatoes also have a considerable amount of vitamin C, which contributes to normal fertility and reproduction.

Are tomatoes vegan?

Yes, tomatoes are vegan. They are a plant-based food and do not contain any animal-derived ingredients, making them suitable for a vegan diet.

Do tomatoes contain vitamin K?

Yes, tomatoes do contain vitamin K. A medium-sized raw tomato contains about 9.7 micrograms of vitamin K. This constitutes about 10% of the daily recommended value for adult women and about 7% for adult men.

Do tomatoes increase estrogen?

No, tomatoes don’t increase estrogen levels directly. However, they do contain a phytochemical called lycopene, which is a powerful antioxidant that has been linked to multiple health benefits. Some studies have suggested that lycopene can support balanced hormone production, but more research is needed to fully understand its effects.

Do tomatoes increase testosterone?

There is no direct evidence that tomatoes increase testosterone levels. Tomatoes contain the antioxidant lycopene, which has been studied for its health benefits; some preliminary research suggests lycopene might potentially support healthy testosterone levels, but the findings are not conclusive.

What are some tomato alternatives?

There are several alternatives to tomatoes that can offer similar flavors or nutritional benefits. Red bell peppers, for instance, can provide a similar sweetness and color, while beets can replicate the earthy flavor of tomatoes. For those looking for a similar texture for use in sauces or stews, pumpkin or butternut squash are good options. Remember, while these alternatives can mimic certain properties of tomatoes, they have their own unique nutritional profiles and flavors.

Are tomatoes kosher?

Yes, tomatoes are kosher. They can be included in a kosher diet, provided they are checked and prepared in accordance with kosher dietary laws. For instance, they must be free from bugs, as consuming insects is not permitted as per kosher laws.

Can you eat tomatoes on the Atkins diet?

Yes, you can eat tomatoes on the Atkins diet, but in moderation. During the first phase of the Atkins diet, it is advised to limit your consumption to about 2-3 cherry tomatoes or 1 small regular tomato, which translates to approximately 1-2 net carbs, per day. Your carbohydrate intake should stay below 20g per day during this period. In the subsequent phases when the diet allows for more carbs, you can gradually increase your tomato intake.

Does tomato contain collagen?

No, tomatoes do not contain collagen. Collagen is a type of protein usually found in animals, especially in their skin and connective tissues. However, tomatoes are rich in vitamin C (around 13 mg per 100 g), which is essential for the synthesis of collagen in the human body. Therefore, while they do not contain collagen themselves, tomatoes may contribute to collagen production in the body.

Are tomatoes high in lectins?

Yes, tomatoes, like all members of the nightshade family of plants, are high in a specific type of lectin called “tomatine”. Raw tomatoes can contain up to 500mg of tomatine per kg. However, lectin levels decrease significantly with cooking. It’s also vital to note that lectins can be harmful in vast quantities, but in moderate amounts normally found in food, they should not be a concern for individuals without specific dietary sensitivities or immune responses to lectins.