Tomatoes in Pregnancy: Nutritional Value, Risks, and Advice

Tomatoes are loaded with vitamins like vitamin K, vitamin C, Vitamin A, folate and more. They also contain various essential minerals such as phosphorus, magnesium, manganese and copper. Let us take a look at the nutritional value of tomatoes per 100 grams:

Rest assured, tomatoes are generally considered safe to consume during pregnancy. However, it is important to enjoy them in moderation. Packed with folate, vitamin A, vitamin C and lycopene, they offer a range of benefits to both mothers and their unborn babies.

The vitamin C in tomatoes helps in the absorption of iron, which pregnant women need the most. However, tomatoes should be consumed in moderate quantities during pregnancy, as excessive consumption may cause stomach discomfort and other issues.

Due to its taste and nutritional value, tomatoes have been used in various food staples. Some of the popular tomato benefits for females during pregnancy include:

Tomatoes Improve Immunity

One of the essential benefits of tomatoes during pregnancy is improved immunity. It is a fruit that is loaded with vitamin A and vitamin C, which are considered essential for the immune system.

The vitamin C content in tomatoes assists in the absorption of iron, which is required during pregnancy. Vitamin A helps strengthen the immune system, which helps fight infection and disease during pregnancy.

Tomatoes Support Foetal Development

Another benefit of consuming tomatoes during pregnancy's first trimester is that it supports foetal development. Tomatoes contain lycopene, a bright red pigment also known as an antioxidant that helps reduce the risk of various diseases.

Scientific research and studies have concluded that lycopene is a crucial substance that helps protect the DNA from damage during pregnancy.

Tomatoes Manage Hydration

Maintaining proper hydration is essential during pregnancy and tomatoes, due to their high water content, can support this. Tomatoes help manage hydration levels and can be especially beneficial in the first trimester when morning sickness and vomiting can lead to significant water loss.

Including tomatoes in your diet can help mitigate dehydration and support overall health during this crucial period.

Tomatoes in Gestational Diabetes

Another crucial benefit of consuming tomatoes in pregnancy's third trimester is that they help manage gestational diabetes. This fruit has a balanced nutritional profile, such as high fibre content and low calories, which help regulate blood sugar levels.

Furthermore, tomatoes also contain chromium and vitamin C, which help improve insulin sensitivity and lower the chances of gestational diabetes.

Also Read: Food for Diabetes During Pregnancy

Tomatoes Keep Heart Healthy

Tomatoes are known to be heart-friendly fruits. Heart disease is very common due to unhealthy lifestyles and eating habits. However, tomatoes can easily prevent the risk of heart disease as they contain potassium, fibre, choline and choline.

Having a better potassium-to-sodium ratio is crucial to prevent heart disease. Furthermore, the fibre content in tomatoes helps regulate the homocysteine level, which reduces the risk of strokes and heart attacks.

Tomatoes Prevent Constipation

Constipation is a common problem during pregnancy that most women face. This generally happens due to inadequate fibre intake. However, tomatoes are a great source of insoluble and soluble fibre that helps with constipation.

The insoluble fibre present in tomatoes adds bulk to the stool, while soluble fibre assists in creating a gel-like texture during digestion.

Tomatoes Support Eye Health

Another significant benefit of tomatoes during pregnancy is that they help improve eye health. They are loaded with vitamin A, a powerful antioxidant that fights against harmful free radicals that can harm our eyes.

Furthermore, they also help protect against night blindness and macular degeneration and improve overall vision.

Tomatoes Support Brain Health

Another benefit of consuming tomatoes is that they support brain health. They contain lycopene, a carotenoid that helps prevent various cognitive disorders like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.

It is better to consume tomatoes in cooked form, as the lycopene content is usually high.

Tomatoes are a versatile fruit that can be used in various recipes, from tomato salsa to salad to soup and more. Here in this section, we are going to talk about healthy tomato recipes to try at home during pregnancy.

Cherry Tomato Salad

Ingredients

• 1 quarter cherry tomatoes

• ¼ cup of canola oil

• ½ teaspoon of salt

• 3 tablespoons of white vinegar

• ¼ cup of minced fresh parsley

• 2 teaspoons of minced fresh oregano

• ½ teaspoon of sugar

• 2 teaspoons of minced fresh basil

How to Prepare

Step 1: In a bowl, add tomatoes cut into halves.

Step 2: Next, in a pan, add oil and vinegar, sugar and salt and saute it until it blends.

Step 3: Then add herbs and stir them.

Step 4: Add the mixture over the tomatoes, gently toss it and then refrigerate.

Step 5: Then serve it chilled.

Veggie Stuffed Tomatoes

Ingredients

• 2 medium tomatoes

• ½ small carrot

• ½ small onion

• 1 small garlic clove

• ¼ teaspoon of dried oregano

• 2 teaspoons of olive oil

• 1 tablespoon of vegetable broth

• 2 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese

• 3 to 4 fresh basil leaves

• ⅓ cup of dried bread crumbs

How to Prepare

Step 1: To make veggie-stuffed tomatoes, cut a thin slice of tomato and scoop out the inside pulp, leaving a shell and hole.

Step 2: You can also invert tomatoes on a paper towel to drain out the water.

Step 3: Next, finely chop the carrot, onion, garlic and celery and reserve the pulp in the food processor.

Step 4: Now, saute the vegetable mixture in oil in a pan until it becomes tender.

Step 5: Add oregano and vegetable broth and let it simmer until the liquid is reduced to half.

Step 6: Remove the vegetable mixture from the heat and let it cool for sometime.

Step 7: Once it cools down, add bread crumbs, basil leaves and parmesan cheese.

Step 8: Fill the tomatoes with this stuffing and microwave them at 350° for 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 9: Serve the dish hot.

Tomato Coconut Chutney

Ingredients

• ½ cup of chopped tomatoes

• 1 tablespoon of oil

• ¼ cup of grated coconut

• ½ teaspoon of split Bengal gram

• 1/ teaspoon of split black lentil

• 4 whole Kashmiri red chillies

• 8 shallots

• 5 to 6 curry leaves

• Salt (as required)

How to Prepare

Step 1: Heat oil in a pan and add black lentils, Bengal gram and red Kashmiri chillies.

Step 2: Also add curry leaves and saute them on a medium flame for a few seconds.

Step 3: Add tomatoes and saute them on medium flame.

Step 4: Add salt and coconut and saute it for another 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 5: Switch off the flame and let it cool for some time.

Step 6: Once it is cool, blend the mixture in a blender until it becomes smooth.

Step 7: Serve the tomato coconut chutney with idlis or dosas.

Consumption of tomatoes in moderate quantities is generally considered safe; however, if it is consumed in excessive quantities, it may cause various health issues such as:

Tomatoes Cause Stomach Discomfort

One of the known side effects of consuming too many tomatoes is stomach discomfort. They contain lycopene, which, if consumed in excessive quantities, can cause digestive discomfort, including diarrhoea, cramps and gas.

Tomatoes May Cause Kidney Problems

Tomatoes contain oxalates, compounds that can bind with calcium in the body and potentially contribute to the formation of kidney stones, especially in people who are prone to oxalate-type kidney stones.

Tomatoes May Cause Heartburn

Tomatoes contain citric and malic acid, which can irritate the oesophagus and trigger acid reflux, especially in people who are prone to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

When stomach acid rises into the oesophagus, it can cause a burning sensation known as heartburn.

Tomatoes May Cause Migraine

Tomatoes may trigger migraines in some individuals due to their high levels of tyramine, a naturally occurring compound linked to headaches. Additionally, their acidity can irritate the stomach and potentially trigger migraines in those who are sensitive to acidic foods.

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Tomatoes are versatile fruits that have been used in various Indian food staples. They are packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Due to their health benefits, women often use tomatoes to conceive.

However, they should be consumed in moderation as they may cause side effects like stomach discomfort, if consumed in excessive quantities. It is best to consult a healthcare practitioner if you have any side effects after eating tomatoes.

Can I eat tomatoes every day?

Yes, you can eat tomatoes every day. They are a rich source of vitamins, antioxidants like lycopene and fibre, which contribute to overall health.

Can I eat tomatoes for conceiving?

Yes, eating tomatoes can be beneficial when trying to conceive. They are rich in antioxidants like lycopene, which may support reproductive health and improve sperm quality.

Additionally, tomatoes provide essential vitamins and minerals that contribute to overall health and can support a healthy conception process.

When not to eat tomatoes?

Due to their acidity, tomatoes are best avoided if you suffer from acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease, which can trigger heartburn.

Those with kidney problems or a history of kidney stones may also need to limit their intake because of the high potassium and oxalate content.

Disclaimer: This is a general guide on Tomatoes in Pregnancy: Nutritional Value, Risks and Advice . It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. It is advisable to consult a qualified health professional for treatment in severe cases.