If you're looking for a low-calorie ingredient to add to your meals, consider 1/4 cup (63 g) of tomato puree. With only 25 calories, it's a great way to add flavor without adding extra calories.
Tomato puree is made by cooking tomatoes and then straining the mixture so only a smooth, concentrated liquid remains. It's a great source of vitamins like A and C, and it contains antioxidants like lycopene.
In this article, we'll explore some of the health benefits of tomato puree and how you can use it to make delicious and nutritious meals.
Calories in Tomato Puree
When it comes to weight loss, tracking calories is an important part of the process. Tomato puree can be a great addition to low-calorie meals, as 1/4 cup (63 g) of it contains only 25 calories. Compared to other calorie-dense ingredients like cream or butter, tomato puree can help you add flavor to your meals without adding extra calories. By using tomato puree in your cooking, you can create flavorful and satisfying meals that won't sabotage your weight loss efforts.
Tomato Puree: Rich in Vitamins
Tomato puree is a great source of vitamins, particularly vitamins A and C. These vitamins are important for maintaining healthy skin, immune function, and vision. Vitamin A is essential for the health of your eyes and skin, while vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help protect your body from disease. By incorporating tomato puree into your meals, you can boost your vitamin intake and support your overall health and well-being.
Tomato Puree: Low in Calories
As mentioned earlier, tomato puree is very low in calories. This makes it an excellent choice for those who are looking to manage their weight or reduce their calorie intake. Even if you're not trying to lose weight, incorporating more low-calorie foods into your diet can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce your risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. By using tomato puree in your cooking, you can create flavorful and satisfying meals that won't sabotage your calorie goals.
Tomato Puree: Antioxidant Properties
Tomato puree contains a powerful antioxidant called lycopene. This compound has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and can help protect your body against certain types of cancer. Lycopene is a carotenoid that is responsible for giving tomatoes their bright red color. It's also one of the most potent antioxidants found in food. By incorporating tomato puree into your meals, you can harness the antioxidant power of lycopene and protect your body against disease.
Tomato Puree: Health Benefits
In addition to being low in calories and rich in vitamins, tomato puree has a range of health benefits. Studies have shown that the lycopene in tomato puree can help reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. Additionally, the vitamins and antioxidants found in tomato puree can help support healthy skin and immune function. By incorporating tomato puree into your meals, you can support your overall health and reduce your risk of chronic diseases.
Tomato Puree: Versatile Ingredient
One of the best things about tomato puree is how versatile it is. It can be used in a wide variety of dishes, from soups and stews to pasta sauces and casseroles. Its rich, savory flavor makes it a great addition to meat dishes like meatballs and Bolognese sauce. And if you're following a vegan or vegetarian diet, tomato puree can be used to make hearty and flavorful plant-based meals. By keeping a can of tomato puree in your pantry, you'll always have a versatile ingredient on hand to help you whip up a delicious and nutritious meal.
Tomato Puree: Easy-to-Prepare Sauce Base
Tomato puree is also an excellent base for sauces. Because it's already been cooked and strained, it has a smooth texture that makes it perfect for blending into sauces and soups. By adding a few herbs and spices, you can transform tomato puree into a flavorful sauce that can be used to top vegetables, pasta, or meat. By using tomato puree as a sauce base, you can create delicious and nutritious meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
Tomato Puree: Ideal for Weight Loss Diets
If you're trying to lose weight, tomato puree can be an ideal ingredient to incorporate into your diet. Because it's low in calories and high in nutrients, it can help you stay full and satisfied while also helping you meet your weight loss goals. By using tomato puree in your meals, you can reduce your overall calorie intake without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. By making tomato puree a staple in your kitchen, you can create a range of healthy and delicious meals that will help you achieve your weight loss goals.
Tomato Puree: High in Lycopene
As mentioned earlier, tomato puree is high in lycopene. This powerful antioxidant has been shown to have a range of health benefits, including reducing your risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer. In fact, some studies suggest that consuming lycopene-rich foods like tomato puree may be more effective at reducing your risk of heart disease than taking lycopene supplements. By incorporating tomato puree into your meals, you can boost your lycopene intake and protect your body against disease.
Tomato Puree: Shelf Life
One of the best things about tomato puree is its long shelf life. Unlike fresh tomatoes, which can spoil quickly, tomato puree can be stored in the pantry for months without losing its flavor or nutritional value. This makes it a great ingredient to keep on hand for those times when you need to make a quick and easy meal. By stocking up on tomato puree, you'll always have a convenient and nutritious ingredient on hand to help you create delicious meals in a pinch.
I love using tomato puree in my cooking. It's such a versatile ingredient and adds a ton of flavor to my meals. Plus, it's low in calories and high in nutrients, which makes it a great choice for anyone who is trying to eat healthy.
5 FAQs about Tomato Puree
1. What is tomato puree?
Tomato puree is a thick paste made from cooking and pulverizing fresh tomatoes. It is often used as a base for sauces, soups, and stews.
2. What are the nutritional benefits of tomato puree?
Tomato puree is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. It is also low in calories and fat.
3. Can tomato puree be used as a substitute for tomato sauce?
Yes, tomato puree can be used as a substitute for tomato sauce, although the resulting dish may be slightly less seasoned and more tomatoey in flavor. Adding herbs, spices, and salt can help balance the taste.
4. How long does tomato puree last?
Tomato puree can last up to five days in the refrigerator if stored in an airtight container. It can also be frozen for up to six months.
5. Can tomato puree be used in baking?
Yes, tomato puree can be used in baking, particularly in recipes for savory bread, muffins, and scones. It can add a rich tomato flavor and moisture to the baked goods.