Source: Britannica.comTomatillos, also known as Mexican husk tomatoes, are not as popular as their cousin, the regular tomato, but they pack a powerful nutritional punch. These small, green fruits are commonly used in Mexican cuisine, adding a tangy and citrusy flavor to dishes like salsa verde and enchiladas. But besides their delicious taste, tomatillos offer a wide range of health benefits. In this article, we will explore 20 fascinating nutrition facts about tomatillos that make them a fantastic addition to any diet. From their high vitamin content to their antioxidant properties, tomatillos are a versatile and nutritious ingredient that deserves your attention. So let’s dive in and discover the amazing benefits this unique fruit has to offer.
Key Takeaways:
- Tomatillos are a nutritious choice for a healthy diet, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants while being low in calories, fat, and sugar.
- With high water content and low carbs, tomatillos are a hydrating and diet-friendly option, offering benefits for digestion, immunity, and overall well-being.
Tomatillos are low in calories
One cup of chopped tomatillos contains only about 42 calories, making them a great choice for those watching their calorie intake.
Tomatillos are a good source of dietary fiber
A single cup of tomatillos provides approximately 2.5 grams of fiber, which helps promote digestive health.
Tomatillos are rich in vitamin C
One serving of tomatillos fulfills about 20% of your daily vitamin C requirement, which plays a critical role in supporting the immune system.
Read also: 10 Skinny Pop Popcorn Nutrition Facts
Tomatillos contain essential minerals
Tomatillos are a good source of minerals like potassium, magnesium, and copper, which are vital for various bodily functions.
Tomatillos are packed with antioxidants
These green gems are rich in antioxidants like flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which help fight harmful free radicals in the body.
Tomatillos are a good source of vitamin K
Vitamin K is important for blood clotting and bone health, and tomatillos provide a decent amount of this essential vitamin.
Tomatillos are low in fat
With only about 0.4 grams of fat per cup, tomatillos are a healthy addition to any diet focused on weight management.
Tomatillos are a good source of folate
Folate, also known as vitamin B9, is crucial during pregnancy and plays a key role in cell growth and development.
Tomatillos are high in water content
With about 92% water content, tomatillos help keep you hydrated and contribute to overall health and well-being.
Read also: 15 Bratwurst Nutrition Facts
Tomatillos are low in carbohydrates
If you’re following a low-carb diet, tomatillos are a perfect choice as they contain only about 6 grams of carbs per cup.
Tomatillos are a good source of iron
Iron is essential for the production of red blood cells and tomatillos provide a small but significant amount of this important mineral.
Tomatillos are rich in vitamin A
Vitamin A is important for healthy vision, immune function, and cell growth, and tomatillos are a good natural source of this vitamin.
Tomatillos contain beneficial plant compounds
Tomatillos contain compounds like lutein and zeaxanthin, which are beneficial for eye health and protecting against age-related macular degeneration.
Tomatillos are a good source of niacin
Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is important for energy production and tomatillos provide a small amount of this essential nutrient.
Tomatillos are low in sugar
With only about 2.5 grams of sugar per cup, tomatillos are a suitable choice for those monitoring their sugar intake.
Tomatillos are a great source of antioxidants
The antioxidant content of tomatillos helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and certain types of cancer.
Tomatillos are a good source of vitamin E
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect against oxidative stress, and tomatillos provide a small amount of this vitamin.
Tomatillos are low in sodium
For individuals watching their sodium intake, tomatillos are a healthy choice as they contain very little sodium.
Tomatillos are a good source of phosphorus
Phosphorus is essential for bone health and tomatillos contribute to your daily intake of this important mineral.
Tomatillos are naturally gluten-free
For those with gluten sensitivities or intolerances, tomatillos are a safe and delicious option.
Conclusion
In conclusion, tomatillos are not only delicious additions to various recipes but also packed with an array of health benefits. From aiding in digestion to boosting the immune system, tomatillos are a nutritional powerhouse. They are low in calories and fat while being high in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Whether you enjoy them in salsas, salads, or cooked dishes, tomatillos are sure to add a unique flavor and healthful punch to your meals. So next time you spot these green gems at the grocery store, be sure to grab a few and reap the many benefits they have to offer.
FAQs
1. How many calories are in a tomatillo?
One raw tomatillo contains approximately 11-12 calories. However, the calorie content may vary slightly depending on the size and specific variety of the tomatillo.
2. Are tomatillos a good source of vitamins?
Yes, tomatillos are a good source of various vitamins, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and vitamin A. Vitamin C helps boost the immune system, vitamin K supports bone health, and vitamin A promotes good vision.
3. Can tomatillos aid in digestion?
Yes, tomatillos are rich in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps prevent constipation. Including tomatillos in your diet can promote a healthy digestive system.
4. Are tomatillos low in carbohydrates?
Yes, tomatillos are relatively low in carbohydrates. One medium-sized tomatillo contains around 4-5 grams of carbohydrates, making them a suitable option for those following a low-carb diet.
5. Do tomatillos have any health benefits?
Absolutely! Tomatillos are a great source of antioxidants, which help protect the body against free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Additionally, they are high in minerals like potassium and manganese, which are essential for proper bodily functions.
Was this page helpful?
Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.
Share this Fact:
ncG1vNJzZmiekZjBtHrNnqtopJmbsrTA2KWcaJ6fpLFwfo9mq6ilkam2rbjOZqWurKKewaq7zWadmpukqHw%3D
