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How many calories are in 75 grams of tomatoes?

3 min read

According to nutritional data, 100 grams of raw, red tomatoes contain just 18 calories. This low-energy density makes them an excellent addition to almost any meal. But what about a more specific serving size? Here’s a precise look at how many calories are in 75 grams of tomatoes.

Quick Summary

A serving of 75 grams of raw, ripe tomatoes contains approximately 14 calories, confirming their status as a very low-energy and nutrient-dense food choice.

Key Points

  • Low Calorie Count: 75 grams of raw, red tomatoes contain approximately 14 calories, making them ideal for weight management.

  • Rich in Antioxidants: Tomatoes are a major dietary source of lycopene and beta-carotene, powerful antioxidants that protect cells from damage.

  • Vitamin-Packed: A 75-gram serving provides a significant amount of Vitamin C, along with Vitamin K and folate,.

  • Cooking Increases Lycopene Absorption: Processing and cooking tomatoes, especially with a healthy fat like olive oil, increases the bioavailability of lycopene.

  • Versatile Ingredient: From fresh salads to sauces and soups, tomatoes can be easily incorporated into a variety of meals to boost flavor and nutrition without adding many calories.

  • Benefits for Heart Health: Regular tomato consumption is linked to reduced cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure,.

  • Promotes Skin Health: The antioxidants in tomatoes, including lycopene and Vitamin C, protect the skin from sun damage and boost collagen production.

In This Article

The Exact Calorie Count for 75 Grams of Tomatoes

For a standard, raw, red, ripe tomato, a 75-gram serving contains approximately 14 calories. This is an incredibly low figure, especially when you consider the rich nutritional benefits packed into this fruit. The calorie content is derived primarily from its carbohydrate content, with very little coming from fat or protein. The exact number can vary slightly based on the specific tomato variety, ripeness, and growing conditions, but it will consistently fall into a very low range,.

Nutritional Breakdown of 75g of Raw Tomatoes

Beyond the headline calorie number, 75 grams of tomatoes offer a host of beneficial nutrients. Here is a closer look at the key nutritional components you'll receive from this small, flavorful serving:

  • Carbohydrates: About 3 grams, which includes natural sugars like glucose and fructose.
  • Dietary Fiber: Approximately 1 gram. Fiber is crucial for digestive health and helps you feel full,.
  • Protein: Nearly 1 gram.
  • Fat: Less than 0.2 grams, making it virtually fat-free.
  • Vitamins: Rich in Vitamin C (about 10mg), providing a significant portion of your daily recommended intake, and also contains Vitamin K,.
  • Minerals: A good source of potassium (about 178mg), which is essential for blood pressure regulation,.
  • Lycopene: A powerful antioxidant that is responsible for the tomato's red color and offers numerous health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers,.

How Tomato Preparation Affects Calories

While raw tomatoes are consistently low in calories, the way they are prepared and processed can alter their nutritional and caloric profile. Adding fats or sugars will increase the calorie count, while cooking can concentrate the nutrients and calories by reducing water content.

Tomato Type Preparation Method Approximate Calories per 75g Nutritional Impact
Raw, Ripe Fresh, uncooked ~14 calories Maintains highest water content and standard nutrient profile.
Canned/Crushed Cooked, processed ~24 calories Cooking can increase lycopene bioavailability. Can contain added sodium,.
Sun-dried Dried Much higher (can be over 100 calories) Concentrated flavor and calories due to water removal. Often preserved in oil, adding fat calories.
With Olive Oil Roasted, sautéed Increased with added oil Pairing with healthy fats like olive oil significantly increases lycopene absorption.

Maximizing the Health Benefits of Tomatoes

To get the most out of your tomato consumption, it is beneficial to understand how preparation affects nutrient absorption. As the table above illustrates, processing and cooking tomatoes can actually increase the bioavailability of certain antioxidants, like lycopene.

  • Cooking tomatoes: Simmering tomatoes into a sauce or roasting them breaks down the cell walls, making lycopene easier for your body to absorb.
  • Pairing with fat: Eating tomatoes with a healthy fat source, such as olive oil, can boost lycopene absorption by up to four times. This is why traditional Mediterranean dishes that combine tomatoes and olive oil are so healthy.
  • Variety matters: Different types of tomatoes, such as cherry, grape, or Roma, can have slightly different nutritional compositions and flavor profiles. Including a variety in your diet can diversify your nutrient intake.

Incorporating Tomatoes into Your Daily Diet

Given their low calorie count and high nutritional value, tomatoes are one of the most versatile ingredients you can add to your meals. From simple snacks to complex dishes, the options are plentiful:

  • Fresh salads: Add sliced or diced raw tomatoes for a burst of flavor, color, and hydration.
  • Sauces: Create a nutrient-rich tomato sauce for pasta, pizza, or as a base for stews.
  • Salsa: A fresh tomato salsa can be a flavorful, low-calorie topping for grilled fish or chicken, or a dip with whole-grain tortilla chips.
  • Roasted: Roasting tomatoes brings out their natural sweetness and deepens their flavor, perfect for a side dish or topping.
  • Soups: Tomato soup can be a comforting and low-calorie meal, especially when made from scratch to control sodium content.

Incorporating tomatoes is an easy and delicious way to increase your intake of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants without significantly adding to your daily calorie count.

Conclusion

For those watching their calorie intake, the fact that there are only about 14 calories in a 75-gram serving of raw tomatoes is excellent news. This makes them a nutritional powerhouse and a guilt-free addition to a healthy diet. By understanding how preparation and pairing with other ingredients can affect nutrient absorption, you can further maximize their health benefits. Whether raw, cooked, or sauced, the humble tomato offers a fantastic way to boost your nutrition and flavor without compromising on your calorie goals.

Tomatoes 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits - Healthline

Frequently Asked Questions

A 75-gram serving of canned, crushed tomatoes contains approximately 24 calories, a slightly higher amount than raw due to concentration from processing.

Yes, tomatoes are excellent for weight loss due to their high water and fiber content, which helps increase feelings of fullness while being very low in calories.

Yes, cooking tomatoes, such as in sauces or soups, breaks down the cell walls and makes the antioxidant lycopene more available for the body to absorb.

Tomatoes are particularly known for being a major dietary source of the antioxidant lycopene, which has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers.

While all fresh tomatoes are low in calories, cherry tomatoes can be slightly sweeter and may have a marginally higher calorie density than some larger varieties, but the difference is minimal.

A 75-gram serving of tomatoes provides a good dose of Vitamin C, along with Vitamin K, potassium, and folate, all of which contribute to overall health,.

Yes, many canned tomato products can have added sodium. It is best to check the nutritional label and opt for low-sodium or no-salt-added varieties to minimize sodium intake.

Adding a healthy fat like olive oil to tomatoes can significantly increase the absorption of fat-soluble antioxidants like lycopene, maximizing their health benefits.

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.