Tomatoes and tamarinds: which one is better for soup?

Tomatoes and tamarinds are two very nutritious plants. Tomatoes have a relatively low calorie count, only about 18 calories/100 grams. Meanwhile, tamarinds have a significantly higher calorie count, at 240 calories/100 grams. Tamarinds' higher calorie count is mainly due to the natural sugar content in this plant, according to the health website Verywell Health (USA).

Tomatoes and tamarinds are both plants that contain many nutrients that are beneficial to health.

PHOTO: AI

In terms of vitamins and minerals, tomatoes provide large amounts of vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and folate. Tomatoes are also high in lycopene, an antioxidant that benefits heart health and promotes healthy skin.

Meanwhile, tamarind has the advantage of being rich in magnesium, potassium, iron and vitamin B. Tamarind also has tartaric acid, which is a natural antioxidant and helps prevent cancer. One thing to note is that tamarind has a high iron content, so it is very beneficial for people with iron deficiency.

Both tomatoes and tamarinds are good for heart health.

With these nutrients, both tomatoes and tamarinds are good for heart health. Tomatoes help lower blood pressure and cholesterol due to the lycopene they contain. Tamarinds also help lower “bad” LDL cholesterol and increase “good” HDL cholesterol.

People suffering from constipation should prefer tamarind over tomatoes. Tamarind has a natural laxative effect due to its fibrous and slightly sticky flesh, which helps things pass through the intestines easily. Tomatoes also have fibre, but when compared to tamarind, tomatoes have the advantage of containing more antioxidants that help reduce inflammation in the intestines.

Both tomatoes and tamarinds are good for your health when used as soup ingredients. Depending on your preferences and health needs, you should prioritize which one to choose. For example, tomatoes have a mild, slightly sweet flavor, which is very suitable for mild-flavored soups. Meanwhile, tamarinds have a stronger sour taste, suitable for soups with strong flavors.

In addition, one thing people need to pay attention to is that tamarind is not only sour but also sweet. Therefore, when using tamarind to cook soup, you need to pay attention to the amount of sugar added to avoid the soup being too sweet, according to Verywell Health.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/ca-chua-va-me-loai-nao-dung-nau-canh-thich-hop-hon-185250405134657046.htm