Pregnancy is a very important phase in any woman’s life. The need for vitamins and nutrients is more for a pregnant woman than for those who are not pregnant. All expectant mothers should take food rich in nutrients and vitamins to ensure healthy growth and development of the fetus in the womb and healthy pregnancy. This article is about eating tomatoes during pregnancy.
One thing a pregnant woman needs to ensure is the consumption of fruits and vegetables. Among the many options, fresh tomatoes can be a healthy snack during pregnancy. But is it safe to eat tomatoes during pregnancy? Read on to know more about this are given below.
In This Article
- Is it Safe to Eat Tomatoes During Pregnancy?
- Nutritional Value of Tomatoes
- 10 Amazing Health Benefits of Eating Tomatoes During Pregnancy
- How Can You Include More Tomatoes in Your Diet?
- How to Choose a Perfect Tomato?
- Are There Any Risk Factors Associated With Consuming by Pregnant Women?
- FAQ’s
Is it Safe to Eat Tomatoes During Pregnancy?
Tomatoes are not only safe during pregnancy, they are an extremely healthy choice for pregnant women and also the fetus inside the mom’s womb. Since pregnancy is a period where you need to be careful of what you take and ensure you fill your plates with nutritional and healthy choices in your diet plan, you cannot go wrong with tomatoes.
Nutritional Value of Tomatoes
The average medium tomato contains 22 calories and 5 grams of carbohydrates, of which 3 are sugars and 1.5 are fibers. Despite being low-calorie, low-carb, tomatoes are packed with nutrients, which have been linked to various health benefits.
1. Carbohydrates
Tomatoes are low in carbohydrate content. 100 gm of tomatoes contains as little as 3.89g of carbs and the majority of that carbs portion in tomatoes is dietary fiber which is perfect for you when you are pregnant.
2. Fats
The fat content of the tomato is very low. 100 gm of tomatoes contains only 0.2g of fat.
3. Protein
Tomatoes have very little protein content. If you eat 100 gm of tomato, you will get 0.88g of protein.
4. Micronutrients
Tomatoes have a high content of micronutrients such as Vitamin C, A, and K. It is also a good source of calcium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium.
[Read: Amla During Pregnancy]
10 Amazing Health Benefits of Eating Tomatoes During Pregnancy
Following are 1o amazing benefits of eating tomatoes during pregnancy. Some of the benefits may surprise you:
1. High on Nutrition
One medium-sized tomato contains enough vitamin C to take care of 40% of your daily intake. It also meets 20% of your daily requirement of vitamin A. It also contains iron and calcium. All these nutrients are essential for the healthy growth of the fetus. For instance, vitamin C can help build immunity, and vitamin A ensures good vision and iron ensures no anemia.
.2. High on Energy
Pregnant women often feel lethargic. They need more energy than usual as their body is preparing for the baby’s growth. A medium-sized tomato contains 22 calories – enough to give strength and reduce lethargy, but not enough to spike the sugar content or the weight. This is very advantageous because pregnant women are susceptible to gestational diabetes and unhealthy weight gain.
3. High on Fiber
One medium-sized tomato contains 1 gram of dietary fiber. Dietary fiber is an essential nutrient that aids digestion. Fiber helps in the formation of stool. Tomatoes have a vast amount of fiber in them. Constipation is a big problem among pregnant women, which can be tackled with the consumption of tomatoes.
4. Remedy For UTI
Urinary Tract Infection or UTI is a medical condition which you would want to avoid during pregnancy. Tomatoes have a significant amount of water content. So, eating tomatoes during pregnancy on a regular basis will help you to urinate properly and prevent any risk of Urinary Tract Infection.
5. Detoxifying Properties
Tomatoes are known to detox the body by purifying the blood and improving blood circulation. This, in turn, also helps to reduce blood pressure, a common problem with tomatoes during pregnancy.
6. Source of Folic Acid
Tomatoes contain folic acid, which, as you know, is very important during pregnancy to ensure the growing fetus does not develop any neurological troubles.
7. Source of vitamin K
Tomatoes also contain vitamin K, which brings down the risk of hemorrhages as it prevents blood loss.
8. Source of Nicotinic Acid
Tomatoes contain nicotinic acid that protects the heart by reducing cholesterol, thereby bringing down the chances of heart problems.
9. Antiseptic
Tomatoes are also antiseptic in nature, which means it can help you fight against infections during pregnancy.
10. Source of lycopene
Tomatoes contain a powerful antioxidant called lycopene, which protects the body against cell damage. It has some unique benefits during pregnancy too. It reduces the chances of preeclampsia and helps in a healthy delivery.
How Can You Include More Tomatoes in Your Diet?
Not only are tomatoes very healthy, but they are also yummy. They can be incorporated into your daily diet in a number of ways.
- Tomatoes are an excellent addition to salads.
- Many of the Indian curries incorporate tomatoes and tomato purées as an integral ingredient.
- Tomato soup is a healthy and yummy midday snack.
- Tomato juice (without filtering) can also be a great choice to reduce dullness. Slices of tomatoes are an excellent sandwich filling.
- Homemade ketchup is another great idea. Avoid store-bought ones, as they contain too many preservatives, sugar, and sodium.
Thankfully, as we mentioned before, Indian food already includes tomatoes. For instance, most of our curries contain tomato and onion pastes. We also add tomatoes to some of our breakfast delicacies like Upma and chutneys. Even in continental recipes, it is not uncommon to see sun-dried tomatoes and grilled tomatoes.
[Read: Salads During Pregnancy]
How to Choose a Perfect Tomato?
It is very important to choose the right tomato in order to enjoy all its benefits and taste. Some ways of choosing the perfect tomato are:
- Look for a tomato that has a bright red color and no blemishes or bruises or tiny black spots. Dull or pale-looking tomatoes don’t have any flavor in them.
- Try and buy “vine-ripened” tomatoes directly from the farmers or look for these types of tomatoes at the grocery store as they are free from chemicals that are commonly used to ripen the tomatoes.
- Once you have checked the appearance of the tomato, try to inspect further by squeezing. It should not have any soft spots, but at the same time should not be too hard. Heavier and denser tomatoes are juicier, while unripe tomatoes will be lighter.
- Finally, you can make out if the tomato is more flavorful or not by smelling it. You can smell a tomato by the stem, and it should be sweet, earthy, and strong.
Are There Any Risk Factors Associated With Consuming By Pregnant Women?
Just like any food item, too many tomatoes can also backfire. It is important to keep all food items in moderation during pregnancy so that your diet contains a large variety of fruits, vegetables, and grains. Although tomatoes during pregnancy are healthy, if you consume too many tomatoes during pregnancy, it can lead to:
- Heartburn (tomatoes are acidic in nature).
- Improper digestion, tummy aches, and gas.
- Discoloration in both the expecting mother and the growing fetus.
Remember that the above problems occur when you consume a lot of tomatoes. So do not worry about the minor side effects when you consider including tomatoes in your daily diet. Pregnancy is a beautiful (not to mention important) phase in your life. Make healthy choices that will ensure the health of both you and the baby inside. If one food item, like tomatoes during pregnancy, can help you gain a number of nutrients, you should not hesitate to add it to your daily diet.
Have a happy, healthy, and safe pregnancy!
[Read: Can I Eat Olives During Pregnancy?]
FAQ’s
1. Can I Eat Raw Tomatoes When Pregnant?
Yes, you can. They are packed with nutrients. However, ensure you wash them well to remove all pesticides.
2. Can I Have Tomato Soup While Pregnant?
Tomato soup can be refreshing during pregnancy. It is rich in micronutrients which can be very beneficial. It is low in carbs and fat, so does not add weight.
3. Are Tomatoes Good for Fetus’ Skin?
Yes, it is good for both the mother and baby’s skin. it is rich in vitamin C. It can help detoxify and keep the skin clear.
4. Can I be Allergic to Tomatoes?
Yes, you can be. Though this is not common, it is possible. You may experience swelling of the mouth, throat, tongue, or face.
Read Also: Capsicum During Pregnancy- Is it Safe to Consume?
