How many calories are in 40 g of tomatoes?

According to nutritional data, a 40 g serving of fresh, raw red tomato contains approximately 7 calories. This makes the juicy, versatile tomato an extremely low-calorie food, ideal for adding flavor and volume to meals without increasing your caloric intake significantly.

Quick Summary

This article provides a detailed look at the calorie content and nutritional profile of a 40 g serving of tomatoes. It examines the macronutrient breakdown, vitamin and mineral content, and how preparation methods can impact the overall nutritional value. Comparisons with other portion sizes and health benefits are also discussed.

Key Points

• Low-Calorie Count: A 40 g serving of fresh, raw red tomatoes contains only about 7 calories, making it a very low-energy food.

• Nutrient-Dense Serving: This small portion provides beneficial amounts of Vitamin C, potassium, and the antioxidant lycopene.

• High Water Content: Tomatoes are about 95% water, which contributes to hydration and satiety with minimal calories.

• Cooking Increases Lycopene Bioavailability: Cooking tomatoes and adding a little fat, like olive oil, enhances the body's absorption of the antioxidant lycopene.

• Supports Weight Management: Their low-calorie density and high fiber content help with appetite control, making them a great food for weight loss.

• Varies by Preparation: While fresh tomatoes are lowest in calories, processed forms like paste or sun-dried tomatoes have higher calorie density due to water removal.

• Excellent for Heart Health: The lycopene in tomatoes has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease by potentially lowering bad cholesterol.

Calorie Breakdown for 40 g of Tomatoes

A 40-gram serving of fresh, raw red tomatoes contains an average of 7 to 7.2 calories. This small amount of energy comes primarily from carbohydrates, with trace amounts from protein and fat. Tomatoes are about 95% water, which is why they are so low in calories. Their low-calorie density makes them an excellent choice for individuals looking to manage their weight while still enjoying satisfying, nutritious food.

Nutritional Content in a 40 g Serving

Beyond just the calories, 40 g of tomatoes offers a variety of beneficial nutrients. Here is a more detailed look at what a small serving provides:

• Carbohydrates: Approximately 1.6 g, with about 1.1 g coming from natural sugars and 0.5 g from dietary fiber.
• Protein: About 0.4 g, a very small but present amount.
• Fat: A negligible 0.1 g, containing almost no saturated fat.
• Vitamins and Minerals: This includes valuable amounts of potassium (94.8 mg), Vitamin C (5 mg), and a small amount of iron (0.1 mg).

Comparing Calories in Different Tomato Forms

When considering tomatoes for your diet, it's helpful to understand how different preparation methods and products affect the calorie count. Cooking processes, for example, can concentrate the nutrients as water evaporates, but the overall calorie increase is minimal unless fats like oil are added.

Tomato Type	Portion Size	Approximate Calories	Key Nutritional Difference
Raw Tomato	40 g	~7 kcal	Highly hydrating, excellent source of Vitamin C.
Raw Tomato	100 g	~18-20 kcal	Standard reference serving, good for comparison.
Tomato Paste	100 g	~82 kcal	Significantly higher lycopene due to processing.
Sun-dried Tomatoes	100 g	~258 kcal	Dehydration concentrates calories and flavor.
Canned Tomatoes	100 g (drained)	~22 kcal	Similar to fresh, minimal calorie increase.

The Health Benefits of a Low-Calorie Diet

Incorporating low-calorie, nutrient-rich foods like tomatoes is a key strategy for a healthy diet and weight management. The high water and fiber content in tomatoes promotes a feeling of fullness, which can help control appetite and prevent overeating. Furthermore, their abundance of antioxidants, such as lycopene, supports overall health by protecting the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals.

• Weight Management: Low-calorie density allows for larger portion sizes without a significant calorie penalty, contributing to satiety.
• Heart Health: Studies suggest that lycopene may help lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels and protect against heart disease.
• Skin Health: The water content and vitamins, particularly Vitamin C, aid in hydration and collagen synthesis, supporting healthy skin.
• Hydration: Tomatoes have a high water content (around 95%), which contributes to daily fluid intake.

Conclusion: A Small Serving, Big Impact

In summary, a 40 g portion of tomatoes is a very low-calorie and nutrient-dense addition to any meal. Providing only about 7 calories, it is an excellent way to add vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants like lycopene to your diet without concern for excess caloric intake. Its low-calorie, high-water, and high-fiber profile supports weight management and offers significant health benefits, including heart and skin health. Whether enjoyed raw in a salad or lightly cooked, the humble tomato packs a powerful, healthy punch in every small serving.

Lycopene is particularly well-absorbed when tomatoes are cooked and consumed with a small amount of healthy fat, such as olive oil.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories are in 40 g of tomatoes?

A 40-gram serving of fresh, raw red tomatoes contains approximately 7 calories.

What nutrients are in a 40 g tomato serving?

In 40 g of raw tomatoes, you get about 1.6 g of carbs (1.1 g sugar, 0.5 g fiber), 0.4 g of protein, and trace fat. It also provides vitamins and minerals like potassium and Vitamin C.

Does cooking change the calorie count of tomatoes?

Cooking tomatoes doesn't significantly change the calorie count unless fat or sugar is added. Heat can, however, increase the bioavailability of some nutrients, like the antioxidant lycopene.

Are tomatoes good for weight loss?

Yes, tomatoes are considered beneficial for weight loss because they are very low in calories and high in water and fiber, which helps promote satiety.

How many carbs are in 40g of tomatoes?

There are approximately 1.6 grams of carbohydrates in a 40-gram serving of tomatoes.

Is a 40 g serving of tomatoes a good source of vitamins?

Yes, even a small 40 g serving of tomatoes provides a good source of vitamins, particularly Vitamin C, which is essential for immune function.

Do tomatoes provide antioxidants?

Yes, tomatoes are an excellent source of antioxidants, most notably lycopene, which is known for its health-protective properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories are in 40 g of tomatoes?

A 40-gram serving of fresh, raw red tomatoes contains approximately 7 calories.

What is the primary source of calories in tomatoes?

The calories in tomatoes come primarily from carbohydrates, specifically natural sugars, as the fat and protein content is very low.

Are cooked tomatoes higher in calories than raw tomatoes?

Cooking tomatoes does not significantly increase their calorie count, but it concentrates the calories per gram as water evaporates. Adding oil or other fats during cooking will increase the calorie total.

How does 40 g of tomatoes fit into a diet for weight loss?

Due to their low-calorie density and high water and fiber content, 40 g of tomatoes is an excellent addition to a weight-loss diet. It adds flavor and volume to meals, which can help you feel full without consuming many calories.

Is there a difference in calories between different types of tomatoes?

Yes, but the difference is typically small for a similar portion size of fresh tomatoes. However, processed forms like sun-dried tomatoes or paste are much more calorie-dense because the water has been removed.

Do tomatoes contain beneficial antioxidants?

Yes, tomatoes are rich in powerful antioxidants, most notably lycopene, which is responsible for their red color and offers numerous health benefits.

How can I maximize the health benefits of tomatoes?

For maximum lycopene absorption, consume cooked tomatoes with a source of healthy fat, like olive oil. Eating raw tomatoes is best for maximizing the intake of heat-sensitive Vitamin C.