Tomato soup is more than a tasty comfort food; it’s packed with nutrients. This article will look into the nutritional value of tomato soup. We’ll see how tomatoes provide health benefits through their nutrients. Knowing the calories in tomato soup helps you enjoy it without worrying about your diet. Let’s explore how this classic dish can be part of a healthy lifestyle.
Nutritional Profile of Tomato Soup
Tomato soup is a tasty and nutritious choice for a healthy meal. It’s packed with good stuff that makes it a favorite. Let’s dive into what makes its nutrition so strong.
Overview of Key Nutrients
A 1/2 cup or 120mL of condensed tomato soup has about:
- 90 calories
- 0g total fat
- 480mg sodium
- 2g protein
- 20g total carbohydrates, including 12g of sugars
- 8g as added sugars
Tomatoes are full of vitamins and minerals in tomato soup. You’ll get 9mg (10% DV) of Vitamin C and 580mg (10% DV) of potassium. Plus, there’s Vitamin A and iron for extra nutrition.
Low-Calorie Content
Tomato soup is great for those watching calories. It’s low in calories but high in nutrients. Adding it to your meals means you can eat well without gaining weight. It’s a smart choice for staying healthy.
Calories in Tomato Soup: Healthful Diet Insight
Knowing how many calories are in tomato soup is key, especially when looking at different sizes. You can make your meals healthier by understanding the differences between canned and homemade soups.
Understanding Serving Sizes
Serving sizes of tomato soup are important for keeping track of calories. A typical serving of canned tomato soup is about 1/2 cup and has around 90 calories. This makes it easy to fit into your diet, but watch how much you eat to avoid too many calories.
Comparing Canned vs. Homemade Options
Choosing between canned and homemade tomato soup changes your diet a lot. Canned soup has about 90 calories per serving. But, making it at home can be better for you. Homemade soup can have 79 to 90 calories per cup, depending on what you add like cream or herbs.
Canned soups often have preservatives and a lot of sodium. This can be bad for your health if you eat it a lot. Making your own soup lets you control what goes in. This means you can have fewer calories and less sodium.
Health Benefits of Tomatoes
Tomatoes add color to your meals and bring many health benefits. They are full of vitamins and minerals, which are key for your health. Eating tomatoes can greatly improve your health.
Vitamins and Minerals in Tomatoes
A large raw tomato has about 33 calories. It’s a great source of Vitamin C, giving you almost 28% of what you need daily. Tomatoes also have a lot of potassium, which is good for your heart and muscles. Tomatoes are a top choice for staying healthy because of their nutrient-rich profile.
Antioxidants and Their Effects
Tomatoes are full of antioxidants, especially carotenoids like lycopene. Cooking tomatoes makes lycopene easier for your body to use, so tomato soup is a great choice. Eating foods high in antioxidants helps your body fight off harmful stress and inflammation. This can make you feel better overall.
Potential Cancer-Fighting Properties
Studies show that lycopene in tomatoes might help prevent some cancers, like prostate and breast cancer. It can make cancer cells die and slow down tumor growth. Adding tomatoes to your meals could help protect you from these cancers.
Impact of Tomato Soup on Heart Health
Tomato soup is great for your heart health. It has lycopene, an antioxidant that fights heart disease. This nutrient lowers bad cholesterol, which helps prevent heart problems. Eating tomato soup often can boost your heart health and give you important nutrients.
Lycopene and Heart Disease Prevention
Lycopene is a key nutrient in tomatoes that’s good for the heart. Studies show it stops bad cholesterol from oxidizing, which lowers heart disease risk. Adding tomato soup to your meals can increase your lycopene intake. This is a tasty way to keep your heart healthy.
Sodium Content and Its Implications for Heart Health
Tomato soup is good for you, but watch out for sodium. Some canned soups have a lot of sodium, which isn’t good for your heart. Choosing low sodium options is better. Making your own tomato soup lets you control the sodium. This way, you can enjoy the taste without harming your heart.
Tomato Soup and Weight Management
Tomato soup is great for those trying to manage their weight. It’s low in calories but packed with nutrients. This makes it a good choice for your diet.
The soup has about 2g of fiber per serving. Fiber helps you feel full, which can lead to eating less throughout the day.
Nutrient Density for Weight Loss
Choosing foods that are full of nutrients but low in calories is key for a good diet. Tomato soup is perfect for this. It’s loaded with vitamins and minerals but doesn’t have many calories.
This makes it a top pick for those looking to lose weight with tomato soup.
Incorporating Tomato Soup into a Balanced Diet
It’s easy to add tomato soup to your meals. Try it with lean proteins like grilled chicken or beans. Serve it with whole grains or mixed veggies.
This mix helps you eat fewer calories and supports a balanced diet. It’s a great way to keep healthy eating habits for weight management.
Cooking Tomato Soup at Home
Making your own tomato soup is fun and rewarding. You can adjust the flavors and ingredients to your taste. It also lets you control the amount of salt. A basic recipe uses fresh tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs for a tasty and healthy soup.
Simple and Healthy Recipe Ideas
To make a tasty soup, start by sautéing onions and garlic. Then, add fresh or canned tomatoes and simmer with low-sodium broth. This way, your soup stays nutritious and flavorful. You can use fresh or canned tomatoes, each offering unique benefits.
Fresh tomatoes add more nutrients, like lycopene. Canned tomatoes are convenient and have more nutrients too. So, you get a great taste and health benefits either way.
Using Fresh vs. Canned Ingredients
Choosing between fresh and canned tomatoes depends on what you prefer. Fresh tomatoes taste bright and fresh but aren’t always in season. Canned tomatoes, however, are tasty and great for quick meals.
Whether you’re trying new tomato soup recipes or looking for healthy options, remember. Both fresh and canned tomatoes make delicious and nutritious soups. So, enjoy making and eating your favorite soups anytime!
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Source Links
- Tomato Soup – Campbell Soup Company – https://www.campbells.com/products/condensed/tomato-soup/
- 9 Surprising Tomato Soup Benefits – https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/tomato-soup-benefits
- Tomato Soup – https://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/250239/tomato-soup/