Table of Contents
Tomatoes first grew in the Andes Mountains of South America. The Spanish brought tomatoes to Europe. In 1835, tomatoes came to North America. In 1893 the US supreme court ruled the tomato as legally a vegetable despite the botanical classification as a fruit.
Nutritional benefits of tomatoes
Tomatoes are a good source of lycopene, beta carotene/vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.
Why are tomatoes a superfood?
- They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
- Tomatoes are low in calories and high in fiber; 1 cup of cherry tomatoes has 27 calories with about 1 ½ to 2 grams of fiber
- There are many varieties of tomatoes, and they are available in stores year-round. You can also grow them in your garden during the spring and summer months
- You can eat them raw or cooked: add raw tomatoes to salads or sandwiches, use cooked tomatoes as a side dish or to make tomato sauce
Tomatoes and kidney disease
The amount of potassium you can have each day will depend on your stage of kidney disease or the type of dialysis you receive (see below).
CKD/Transplant
Most people with early-stage CKD or a kidney transplant do not have to limit tomatoes because of potassium. If your laboratory results show higher levels of potassium, your doctor or kidney dietitian may talk with you about how much to eat.
Hemodialysis (3 times/week)
Potassium can be a concern depending on the amount you eat. For example, 1 or 2 slices of raw tomato has a much smaller amount of potassium than a cup of cooked tomatoes.
Daily Home and Nocturnal Hemodialysis/Peritoneal Dialysis
These types of dialysis can remove more potassium, so you may need to eat more potassium rich foods. Tomatoes are a good way to add extra potassium to your diet and decrease the need to take an additional potassium pill.
Kidney Stones
Eating tomatoes will not have an effect on forming kidney stones.
Recipes with tomatoes
Marinara Sauce
2 tsp of garlic (minced)
1 tsp dried oregano
2 pieces of bay leaves (dried)
3 cups of crushed tomatoes
1 small onion (chopped)
3 cups of tomato sauce
2 ½ Tbsps. of olive oil
½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
¾ tsp of salt and pepper to taste
Preparation: Over medium heat, add the olive oil and the chopped onion. Cook until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, spices, and salt and pepper to taste. Once the sauce starts boiling, simmer at low temperature for at least one hour. After one hour, add the parmesan cheese to the sauce. Serve on top of a whole grain pasta with a side green salad. Refrigerate or freeze leftovers.
This is a low protein recipe. Add the protein from pasta for total amount of protein.
Serves 4
Nutrients per Serving:
Calories: 198
Protein: 3.75 g
Vitamin A: 1895 IU
Potassium: 920 mg
Dietary fiber: 4.4 g
Total saturated fat, cholesterol 0 (ZERO)
To reduce potassium and protein:
Instead of 3 cups of tomato sauce, use 2 cups of chopped bell peppers.
Per serving:
Calories: 166
Protein: 2 g
Potassium: 417 mg
To increase protein:
One pound of ground turkey adds 20 g of protein, 169 calories, total fat 9.4 g, saturated fat 2.6 g, and cholesterol 89.5 mg per serving.
One pound of grass-fed ground beef adds 215 calories, 21.5 g of protein, total fat 14 g, saturated fat 6 g, and cholesterol 69.5 mg per serving.
Recipe tips
- Marinara sauce is an easy way to use lots of tomatoes (see recipe below). If you need to reduce potassium, use half the tomatoes an add more bell peppers, shredded carrots, etc.
- In salads or sandwiches, use 2-3 slices of tomato or a few sliced cherry tomatoes if restricted.
Want to save this information for later?
Download the National Kidney Foundation’sFact Sheet:Kidney-Friendly Superfoods: Tomatoes
*This content is provided for informational use only and is not intended as medical advice or as a substitute for the medical advice of a healthcare professional.
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Last Reviewed: 08/24/2021
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It's fascinating to delve into the world of tomatoes, isn't it? The history of tomatoes traces back to the Andes Mountains of South America. When the Spanish introduced them to Europe, little did they know how immensely popular and versatile these fruits would become. The legal debate in the US Supreme Court in 1893 about whether a tomato is a fruit or a vegetable remains an interesting anecdote in botanical history.
Let's start with the nutritional benefits of tomatoes. Tomatoes are a powerhouse of nutrients. They contain lycopene, a potent antioxidant known for its health benefits, along with beta carotene (a precursor to vitamin A), vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. These elements contribute to their status as a superfood.
Tomatoes are incredibly versatile. Whether you prefer them raw in salads or sandwiches or cooked in sauces, they offer health benefits in various forms. The presence of antioxidants, coupled with low calories and high fiber content (like 1 cup of cherry tomatoes with only 27 calories and about 1 ½ to 2 grams of fiber), makes them an ideal choice for maintaining a healthy diet.
However, when it comes to kidney disease, especially considering potassium intake, the advice varies depending on the stage of the disease and the type of dialysis one receives. For instance, individuals with early-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) or those who have undergone a kidney transplant might not need to restrict tomato consumption due to potassium unless indicated by elevated levels in lab results. On the other hand, for those on hemodialysis or other types of dialysis, monitoring potassium intake, especially from cooked tomatoes, becomes essential.
The article also offers a tantalizing marinara sauce recipe, emphasizing its low-protein nature and providing alterations to adjust potassium and protein levels. The tips provided in the article further enhance the understanding of incorporating tomatoes into a kidney-friendly diet, offering suggestions like using fewer tomatoes and supplementing with other vegetables if potassium intake needs to be restricted.
The National Kidney Foundation's fact sheet on kidney-friendly superfoods like tomatoes serves as a helpful guide, offering information for individuals managing kidney issues.
For anyone seeking comprehensive details on tomatoes' nutritional aspects, versatility in recipes, and their impact on kidney health, this article from the National Kidney Foundation is a treasure trove of information.
