There are a number of classes of tomatoes, including grape and cherry tomatoes. These two got their names because of – unsurprisingly – their form. Grape tomatoes are more oblong in their shape, while cherry tomatoes are round. When it comes to flavor though, they are not that different, because grape tomatoes are said to be as sweet as the other type. However, many chefs prefer cherry tomatoes because of their texture and nuanced flavor. Still, when it comes to health, these two may have dissimilarities you want to know about.

Cherry Tomatoes

The miniature version of traditional tomatoes is very nutritious as well. One cup of cherry tomatoes has about 1.3 g of protein, 20 mg of vitamin C, and 1.8 g of fiber. Aside from these, cherry tomatoes also boast the following nutrients:

• Vitamin A – Just one cup of cherry tomatoes can give you 63 meg of vitamin A, which will help keep your eyes functioning well. The National Institute of Health Office of Dietary Supplements state that vitamin A also aids you in resisting macular degeneration related to age when you have enough supply of the vitamin in your body. Additionally, vitamin A can keep your white blood cells healthy, while strengthening your heart, kidneys, and lungs.

• Vitamin B-6 – One cup of cherry tomatoes also provides 0.11 mg of vitamin B-6, which is the vitamin that metabolizes protein. It also supports brain function and cognitive development, while aiding red blood cell production.

Grape Tomatoes

Just like cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes are also rich in nutrients, including:

• Vitamin C – This vitamin is essential in forming protein, keeping your immune system functioning well, and healing your wounds. Vitamin C is also helpful in removing toxins that destroy your healthy cells, giving you a chance to fight off cancer.

• Potassium – This mineral helps your muscles, heart, and nerves functioning correctly. Each grape tomato that you eat can give you as much as 40 mg of potassium.

• Phosphorus – Phosphorus is a mineral that is useful for the kidneys as well as in absorbing the necessary nutrients that the body needs. Each grape tomato has four mg of phosphorus.

Even though there are a few differences in the nutrients that these two tomato varieties have, they are both nutritious. In fact, they are rich in lycopene, just like other tomato classes out there. Lycopene is well-known for fighting prostate cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Eating these smaller versions of tomatoes is not only good for your dishes, but also for your health.

Source: www.stethnews.com