What Are The Possible Risks Of Overeating Tomatoes In Pregnancy?
Hannah Whittaker, RD, PGDip, a specialist pediatric and pregnancy dietitian from Liverpool, England, says, “Tomatoes are classified as an acidic food and can make reflux or heartburn worsen. I would always advise you to monitor the number of tomatoes that you eat and only eat them as part of a balanced diet.”
Excess consumption of any food item can backfire. This applies to tomatoes as well. Eating one too many tomatoes can lead to:
Given the benefits of eating tomatoes and the recommended serving sizes, let’s look at how to choose the best tomatoes.
Nutritional Value Of Tomatoes
The nutrient value of red, ripe or raw tomatoes per 100gm serving is as follows (9):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 18kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 3.89g |
| Protein | 0.88g |
| Fiber | 1.2g |
| Fat | 0.2g |
| Vitamins | |
| Folic acid | 15mcg |
| Pyridoxine | 0.08mg |
| Niacin | 0.594mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.019mg |
| Thiamin | 0.037mg |
| Vitamin A | 833IU |
| Vitamin C | 13.7mg |
| Electrolytes | |
| Potassium | 237mg |
| Sodium | 5mg |
| Minerals | |
| Calcium | 10mg |
| Iron | 0.27mg |
| Magnesium | 11mg |
| Zinc | 0.17mg |
| Phosphorus | 24mg |
Although tomatoes are very healthy and nutritious, you shouldn’t eat too many of them.
What Are The Benefits Of Eating Tomatoes During Pregnancy?
When consumed as part of a healthy diet, tomatoes are delicious and offer a number of advantages.
One medium-sized tomato gives almost 40% recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamin C and 20% RDA of vitamin A Additionally, it contains potassium, iron, calcium, vitamin K, all of which are crucial for healthy fetal growth (2). Related:
Due to the extra weight you are carrying during pregnancy, it is common to feel exhausted and lethargic. Tomatoes’ high calorie content gives you enough energy and fights lethargy.
High levels of dietary fiber found in tomatoes support a healthy digestive system. The fiber thickens the stools, encourages the smooth digestive muscles to move in peristaltic motions, and stimulates the production of digestive juices (3).
Regular tomato consumption can lower the risk of hypertension. e. , preeclampsia, which is common during pregnancy. Potassium enhances blood flow and lessens heart stress (4). Related:
Tomatoes contain lycopene, an antioxidant that helps in fighting cancer-causing radicals (5).
Lycopene shields the heart by preventing the oxidation of serum lipids. It lowers triglyceride and LDL cholesterol levels in the blood (6).
Tomatoes help you meet the RDA of folic acid. Folic acid is required to reduce the risk of birth defects of the brain and spinal cord in babies (7).
Topical application of tomato juice, which has vitamin E, which may help protect against sunburns (8).
Read on to learn how nutritious the plum-looking vegetable is if you’re still unsure about its goodness or unsure of how much to eat each day. Quick fact: Women who are anemic can increase their hemoglobin levels by drinking tomato juice.