Is Canned Tomato Paste without Salt Keto-Friendly?
As the ketogenic diet continues to grow in popularity, many are questioning whether their favorite foods have a place within this high-fat, low-carb lifestyle. Today, we're taking a closer look at Tomato Paste, Canned without Salt, that humble pantry staple known to boost flavor and nutrition in a wide range of dishes. But the burning question remains: Can this variety of tomato paste fit into the keto way of eating?
Understanding the Keto Diet
Before we delve into the specifics of canned, salt-free Tomato Paste, it is important to familiarize ourselves with the basic principles of the ketogenic diet. This diet favours high fat consumption (around 70-80% of daily calorie intake), moderate protein, and a very low carbohydrate intake (usually less than 50 grams of net carbs per day). The ultimate aim? To transition your body into a state known as ketosis, whereby it burns fat as its main energy source instead of carbohydrates.
Nutritional InformationPer (1 Piece (120.0g)):
Per 100g:
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Tomato Paste, Canned without Salt is very keto-friendly! It's a great choice if you're trying to maintain ketosis. |
Tomato paste, specifically the kind canned without salt, is a dense concentration of tomatoes that offers a robust flavor punch to many dishes. This kitchen staple is rich in antioxidants, including the famously lauded lycopene, possibly offering benefits to heart health and cancer-prevention.
But what about its standing on a keto diet? You might be pleased to know that tomato paste, even being a concentrated form of tomato, generally contains approximately 7 grams of carbs per two tablespoons, which also happens to be a common amount used in recipes.
This lands tomato paste in the 'somewhat keto-friendly' category. While it does fall into the moderate range when considering carb content, the flavor it provides could be worth the carb count for many dieters. Regardless, moderation is key to maintaining ketosis. So, if you're thinking of adding a rich tomato flavor to your next keto meal, go ahead and bust open that can of salt-free tomato paste – just be mindful of the portion size.
