If you're looking for a warm, comforting soup that won't break your calorie budget, look no further than a 1/2 cup (125 ml) serving of tomato soup. With only 90 calories per serving, it's a great low-calorie option for lunch or dinner.
But tomato soup isn't just low in calories—it's also packed with important nutrients. A 1/2 cup serving provides approximately 15% of your daily recommended intake of vitamin A, 10% of vitamin C, and 5% of iron.
In this article, we'll explore the benefits of tomato soup, including its potential to aid in weight loss, its vitamin and mineral content, and its role in promoting immune system and heart health.
Calories in a 1/2 cup serving of Tomato Soup
As mentioned in the introduction, a 1/2 cup serving of tomato soup contains only 90 calories. This makes it an excellent low-calorie option for those watching their weight or looking to reduce their overall caloric intake.
Tomato Soup Nutrition Facts
In addition to being low in calories, tomato soup is also a good source of important nutrients. Here are the nutrition facts for a 1/2 cup serving of tomato soup:
- Calories: 90
- Total fat: 2g
- Saturated fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 480mg
- Total carbohydrate: 15g
- Dietary fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 2g
Benefits of Tomato Soup
Tomato soup offers a variety of health benefits. Some of the most notable include:
- May aid in weight loss: Tomato soup is low in calories and high in fiber, making it a filling and nutritious option for those looking to shed pounds.
- Good source of vitamins and minerals: Tomato soup is high in important nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron.
- May promote heart health: The lycopene found in tomatoes has been shown to have cardiovascular benefits.
- May boost immune system function: The vitamin A and vitamin C in tomato soup may help support immune system health.
- May aid in digestion: The fiber in tomato soup can help regulate digestion and promote regularity.
Tomato Soup for Weight Loss
If you're looking to lose weight, tomato soup can be a helpful addition to your diet. Thanks to its low calorie and high fiber content, it can help keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer periods of time. Additionally, because tomato soup is a liquid, it doesn't require as much energy to digest as solid foods. This means that your body may burn more calories processing a cup of soup than it would a cup of solid food.
Tomato Soup as a Source of Vitamins and Minerals
Tomato soup is a good source of several important vitamins and minerals. One 1/2 cup serving provides approximately 15% of your daily recommended intake of vitamin A, 10% of vitamin C, and 5% of iron. Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy vision and skin, while vitamin C is an important antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage. Iron is necessary for the production of red blood cells and for maintaining proper immune system function.
Tomato Soup for Immune System Health
The vitamin A and vitamin C in tomato soup can help support immune system health. Vitamin A plays a critical role in the development and function of immune cells, while vitamin C is necessary for the production of white blood cells that fight off infection and disease.
Tomato Soup as a Low-calorie Option
As mentioned earlier, tomato soup is a great low-calorie option for those looking to reduce their overall caloric intake. This can be especially helpful for individuals looking to lose weight, as consuming fewer calories than your body burns is the key to losing weight.
Tomato Soup as a Comfort Food
In addition to its health benefits, tomato soup can also be a comforting and nostalgic food for many people. Whether it's a sick day staple or a favorite childhood memory, tomato soup can provide a sense of warmth and comfort that goes beyond its nutritional value.
Tomato Soup for Heart Health
Tomato soup may also have benefits for heart health. The lycopene found in tomatoes has been shown to have cardiovascular benefits, including reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Tomato Soup for Digestive Health
Fiber is an important nutrient for digestive health, and tomato soup is a good source of this important dietary component. Consuming adequate amounts of fiber can help regulate digestion and promote regularity, and may even reduce the risk of certain digestive disorders like colon cancer.
Soup is a lot like a family. Each ingredient enhances the others; each batch has its own characteristics; and it needs time to simmer to reach full flavor.
FAQs About 1/2 Cup (125 ml) Tomato Soup with 90 calories
1. Is tomato soup healthy?
Tomato soup can be a healthy choice as it is low in calories and contains vitamins and antioxidants. However, it may also contain added salt, sugar, and preservatives, so it's important to check the label before buying.
2. How many calories are in half a cup of tomato soup?
Half a cup or 125 ml of tomato soup contains around 90 calories on average. This can vary depending on the brand and recipe, so be sure to check the label for the exact calorie count.
3. What are the nutritional benefits of tomato soup?
Tomato soup contains vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants like lycopene. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, is low in fat, and may help improve heart health.
4. Can tomato soup help with weight loss?
Tomato soup can be a good option for weight loss as it is low in calories and can help fill you up. However, it's important to watch out for added sugar and sodium, as too much of these can hinder weight loss efforts.
5. How can I make tomato soup healthier?
To make tomato soup healthier, opt for homemade recipes using fresh tomatoes and herbs instead of processed versions. You can also reduce the amount of salt and sugar or use alternatives like honey or maple syrup. Adding vegetables like carrots, celery, or kale can also boost the nutritional value.