Do Tomatoes Have Sugar?

Tomatoes are an important part of nearly every cuisine. A lot of recipes have it as an essential ingredient. Tomatoes have an amazing flavor, and they also provide many health benefits and are a rich source of many vitamins. They are considered as functional foods which mean that they contain much more than basic nutrition. Then do tomatoes contain sugar?

Do Tomatoes Have Sugar?

do tomatoes have sugar

Tomatoes do have sugar; there are two types of natural sugars found in tomatoes: glucose and fructose. One big tomato weighing 6 ounces contains around 4.75 grams of sugar. A medium-sized tomato which weighs 4.25 ounce contains 3.25 grams of sugar. Small plum tomatoes also have sugar. One plum tomato weighing 2 ounce has 1.6 grams of sugar. A cup of cherry tomatoes that weighs around 5 ounces has roughly 4 grams of sugar.

Can Diabetics Eat Tomatoes?

Yes, diabetics can eat tomatoes as they have a very low glycemic index. Tomatoes have a lot of fiber, which makes them a good source of carbohydrates for diabetics. The high amount of soluble fiber in tomatoes can prevent spikes in blood sugar levels by slowing down glucose absorption from the intestines. A large tomato has 2.2 grams of fiber, a medium sized has 1.5 grams, a plum tomato has 0.7 grams and a cup of cherry tomatoes contains 1.8 grams.

Tomatoes are also a very good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese and potassium. They also contain lycopene which is a powerful antioxidant that can prevent cell damage caused by free radicals. All these nutrients are very good for diabetics.

Note: There are many food products made from tomatoes like tomato juice and tomato sauce. The carbohydrate content of these can be higher. Though they are good sources of vitamins and lycopene, they can have added sugar and other ingredients which can raise blood glucose levels. Whenever you are using any tomato based puree or sauce, have a look at the label and check how much carbohydrates they contain.

Vegetables That Are High in Sugar

Do tomatoes have sugar? The answer is yes. It’s not only tomatoes that contain sugar; many other vegetables also contain sugar. Some of these are:

1.      Root Vegetables

root vegetables

Root vegetables are rich in sugars. On average, 100 grams serving of these provides around 4 grams of sugar. Carrots, parsnips, turnips and beets all have similar sugar content. Chicory root has a very high sugar content, and a 100 gram serving contains 8.7 grams sugar.

2.      Chili Peppers

chili peppers

Chili peppers are full of vitamin C and one serving of 100 grams contains 400 percent of daily vitamin C requirement. They are also rich in sugar and the same quantity contains 5 grams of sugar. Red and yellow peppers taste sweet but have half the amount of sugar in them, comparing to green peppers.

3.      Onions

bulbs

Onions are the most commonly consumed vegetable. They do have sugar and one average sized onion can have 4-5 grams of sugar. All varieties of onions contain sugar and should be used in moderation if you are on low-sugar diet.

4.      Starchy Vegetables

starchy vegetables

Starchy vegetables like corn, peas, sweet potatoes and winter squash have higher sugar content as compared to green leafy vegetables. However, they are not bad for health as they also have high fiber content.

Sugar Content of Some Common Vegetables

Vegetable (One cup)

Sugar

Total Carbohydrates

Sweet Corn

5.7 Grams

30.5 Grams

Brussels Sprouts

3.9 Grams

5.8 Grams

Peas

2.5 Grams

4.8 Grams

Eggplant

1.9 Grams

4.7 Grams

Cucumber

1.7 Grams

3.8 Grams

Kale

1.6 Grams

7.3 Grams

Broccoli

1.5 Grams

6.0 Grams

Mushrooms

1.2 Grams

2.3 Grams

Avocado

1.0 Grams

12.5 Grams

Spinach

0.1 Grams

1.1 Grams

Lettuce

0.6 Grams

1.5 Grams

Note: Healthy people don't have to worry about the sugar content of vegetables. However, if you have diabetes, it is a good idea to consult your doctor before consuming them.

Health Benefits of Eating Tomatoes

do tomatoes have sugar

Do tomatoes have sugar? Now you know the answer. Do you know the health benefits of eating them?

1.      They Contain a Lot of Vitamins and Minerals

They are rich in vitamin C and other nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin K, iron and potassium. These nutrients are essential to maintain optimal health and play a vital role in well-being.

2.      They Can Protect Heart Health and Reduce Cholesterol

Lycopene found in tomatoes can prevent the oxidation of serum lipid, thus decreasing the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Tomatoes also have the ability to decrease the levels of LDL in the blood, which can also help protect your heart.

3.      They Can Counter the Ill Effect of Cigarette Smoke

Tomatoes contain two very important substances: coumaric acid and chlorogenic acid. They help to counter the carcinogenic effects of nitrosamines which are present in cigarette smoke. Due to high levels of vitamin A content, tomatoes also have the ability to fight lung cancer.

5.      They Help Improve Visual Health

Do tomatoes have sugar? You already know the answer. So what else do tomatoes contain? Tomatoes are rich in vitamin A. It is a known fact that vitamin A is essential for good vision. It can prevent night blindness and is also a powerful antioxidant. 

6.      They Are Good for Digestive System

Due to their high fiber content, tomatoes are effective in preventing and relieving constipation. They also contain various substances which regulate the intestinal motility. What's more, tomatoes have an ability to remove certain toxins from the intestines, which can then reduce the workload of liver, thus preventing jaundice and other liver problems.

 
 
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