Nutritional benefits
Ms. Kanikka Malhotra, a nutrition and diabetes consultant (India), said that although fresh tomatoes are a rich source of vitamins A and C, canned tomatoes can have high levels of vitamins. This is higher due to the cooking and processing process.
Ms. Kanikka Malhotra also emphasized that canned tomatoes may also contain higher sodium levels, so it is essential to understand the nutritional value of these two foods.
According to Ms. Malhotra, both canned and fresh tomatoes provide a good amount of vitamins and minerals. Because, they are a source of vitamin C, which is essential for immunity, and potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure.
Antioxidant content
Canning tomatoes can actually increase their antioxidant content, including lycopene (a heart-health-promoting, anti-cancer and antioxidant compound), Ms. Malhotra said. The heat from the canning process helps break down the cell walls of the tomatoes, making lycopene more bioavailable.
"This means the body can absorb and use lycopene more effectively from canned tomatoes than from fresh tomatoes," Ms. Malhotra said.
Therefore, this nutritionist asserts, canned tomatoes can be a source of lycopene, even more than fresh tomatoes.
When it comes to additives and preservatives in canned tomatoes, Ms. Malhotra explains, there are some potential concerns because some canned tomatoes may contain added sugar, salt or other chemicals. other additives. Therefore, it is essential that you check the labels and choose products that are low in additives.
