12 Amazing Health Benefits & Uses Of Tomato Soup

Enjoy the delicious yet low-calorie red-hued soup with many health benefits.

Reviewed by Mayuri Aavula, Nutritionist
Written by Tanya Choudhary, B.Desgn, ISSA Certified Specialist In Fitness & Nutrition
Edited by Ravi Teja Tadimalla, BSc, Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition and Health
Fact-checked by Moksha Gandhi, BPharm, Certified Health & Wellness Coach  • 

A bowl of thick creamy tomato soup perfectly suits the chilly winter days. “Is tomato soup good for you?” is a common question, and the answer is that it can be a healthy choice as it is low in calories and fat, and high in vitamins and minerals. Yes, you read it right. This soup has a positive impact on your health!

This is one of the most consumed soups in India. Roasted tomatoes are stewed and pureed, which is then made into a creamy juice. It is then seasoned with various spices and herbs. Grilled sandwiches and tomato soup make the best combo. Continue reading to learn more about the benefits of tomato soup.

protip_icon Know Your Ingredient: Tomato Soup

What Is It?
A healthy soup with tomatoes as its main ingredient.

What Are Its Benefits?
May aid in weight loss and diabetes management, and improve bone health.

Who Can Consume It?
Everyone can consume tomato soup except for people who commonly experience acid reflux.

How Often?
It is best to consume it around 2-3 times a week for optimal health.

Caution
Avoid consuming tomato soup if you have high blood pressure as it has high sodium content.

Health Benefits Of Tomato Soup

Each bowl of tomato soup simmers with several nutrients that are highly beneficial for health. It contains vitamins A, C, E, and K, essential minerals and antioxidants that can keep you healthy and fit (1). The health benefits of tomato soup include:

1. Bone Health

Tomato soup improves bone health
Image: Shutterstock

Lycopene found in tomato soup plays an important role in regulating bone metabolism by increasing bone mineral density, thus helping in fighting osteoporosis. Consuming tomato soup regularly reduces the blood levels of TNF alpha by 34%. A deficiency in lycopene can increase oxidative stress in the bones and bring unwanted changes in the tissues. You can keep these issues at bay by making tomato soup regularly during your meal times!

2. Cardiovascular Health

Tomato soup enhances cardiovascular health
Image: Shutterstock

The high levels of vitamin C in tomato soup may provide arterial protection, strengthen the heart and protect it from diseases like blockage of arteries and stroke. It may also help to reduce the deposition of fats in the blood vessels, reducing bad cholesterol. Tomato soup may be able to prevent the clumping of platelet cells in the blood (5).

3. Disease-Fighting Lycopene

As mentioned before, tomato soup comes packed with lycopene, the pigment that gives the fruit its bright color. Processed tomatoes contain more lycopene than raw ones. Lycopene neutralizes the oxidative damage caused by the free radicals, a molecule that causes aging. A diet rich in lycopene can also help fight chronic diseases and stroke (6). A cup of tomato soup provides 13.3 milligrams of lycopene. That’s enough to keep your body fighting fit!

4. Blood Circulation

Selenium in tomato soup promotes blood circulation, preventing anemia (7), (8). One of the amazing benefits of tomato soup! One serving of tomato soup provides 7 micrograms of selenium, amounting to 11% of the daily recommended allowance.

5. Mental Health

Tomato soup boosts mental health
Image: Shutterstock

The high concentrations of copper in tomato soup boost the nervous system (9). Potassium aids in the transmission of nerve signals. All these ensure that your mental health remains top-notch.

protip_icon Trivia
The most popular toppings for tomato soup include croutons and sour cream. The soup is also widely consumed with crackers in the United States.

6. Vitamins

Tomato soup is an excellent source of vitamins A and C. Vitamin A is required for tissue development. It is also an essential nutrient for vision health. It activates the genes of the newborn cells, helping them grow into mature tissue. A bowl of tomato soup provides 16% of the daily recommended value of vitamin A. A bowl of tomato soup provides 16% of the daily recommended value of vitamin A. Vitamin C is required to maintain healthy tendons and ligaments. Tomato soup provides 20% of the daily recommended value of vitamins. So, a bowl full of tomato soup a day can definitely help to keep the body healthy (10).

7. Weight Loss

Tomato soup aids in weight loss
Image: Shutterstock

Consuming tomatoes may benefit weight loss (11). It can be very beneficial for those who are on a weight-loss diet. It is rich in water and fiber that keeps you full for a longer time. Dieters recommend tomato soup as a low-calorie and low-fat diet for the body as a yummy way to lose weight.

8. Cancer

Tomato soup contains antioxidants like lycopene and carotenoid, which can help in the possibility of cancer prevention in both men and women. The high levels of antioxidants in tomato soup reduce oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. Consuming tomato soup thrice a week may help to prevent breast, prostate, and colon cancer. It also protects the body from stomach and colorectal cancer (12), (13).

9. Male Fertility

Researcher shows that consuming tomatoes and tomato-based products may boost fertility in men. Lycopene in tomato soup can improve sperm motility. The antioxidants in tomatoes also help to scavenge free radicals, which can cause infertility in men (14), (15). So, if you are trying to conceive, add tomato soup to your diet!

10. Diabetes

Tomato soup helps regulate blood glucose levels
Image: Shutterstock

Tomato soup can be an excellent addition to a diabetic patient’s diet. It contains chromium, a mineral that helps in the regulation of blood sugar(16), (17).

11. Hydration

Tomato soup may help you stay hydrated. Tomatoes contain 84% water and other essential nutrients that may help replenish body fluids (18). Moreover, soups are mostly liquid and contain water and other hydrating elements like broth and vegetables. Therefore, they can serve as a vital source of hydration. The soup’s sodium content also plays a role in retaining water, helping the body stay properly hydrated (19).

12. Immunity

Tomato soup may boost immunity mainly due to the presence of lycopene, beta-carotene, and vitamin C in tomatoes. Vitamin C boosts immune cells like T-lymphocytes and natural killer cells that are crucial for fighting infections and cancer. Similarly, beta-carotene enhances the activity of immune cells. These compounds in tomatoes help strengthen the body’s immune response against diseases (20).

protip_icon Did You Know?
The first recipe of tomato soup was published in the year 1857 in the New Cookery Book, written by Eliza Leslie.

A Word of Caution:

The only disadvantage of tomato soup is its high sodium content. A bowl of tomato soup contains one-third of the daily limit. Excess consumption of sodium increases blood pressure, which can damage the kidney, heart and blood vessels (21). If you are purchasing packaged tomato soup, select the one with lower sodium content.

I am sure you love tomato soup–most of us do! But now you can binge on it without feeling guilty. A bowl of tomato soup can be your health’s best friend!

Infographic: Top 5 Health Benefits Of Tomato Soup

Tomato soup is a wonderful vegetarian addition to your daily diet, owing to its numerous health benefits. However, there are a few benefits that you can’t ignore. Check out the infographic below to learn the top 5 health benefits of tomato soup. Scroll down.

top 5 health benefits of tomato soup (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

Tomato soup is hearty and delicious. It fills your stomach and your heart. It is nutritious in every sense, as it offers dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and potent antioxidants. The vegan soup benefits include improved heart health, stronger bones, and better mental health. The dairy-free and gluten-free soup may also help boost circulation and fertility. In addition, it has been shown to promote weight loss and diabetes management. However, excess consumption may cause a few side effects, especially its high sodium levels leading to high blood pressure and other health complications. If you experience any side effects, limit your consumption and seek medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is tomato soup easy to digest?

Tomatoes contain nutrients and dietary fiber that are beneficial for the gut. However, due to its acidic content, some people may have difficulty in digestion.

Is tomato soup good for fatty liver?

Yes. Tomatoes may help prevent alcoholic fatty liver due to the presence of carotenoid lycopene (22).

Can tomato soup be used as a meal replacement option?

No. Tomato soup is low in calories and fat content, and may not contain enough protein, fiber, or other necessary nutrients to serve as a full meal replacement.

Can we drink tomato soup at night?

In general, tomato soup is a nutritious food choice that can be consumed any time of the day. However, some people may find that consuming spicy meals just before bed interfere with sleep and also cause digestive discomfort.

Is tomato soup good for the skin?

Yes. Tomato soup is rich in beta-carotene and lycopene, which can help protect your skin from sun damage and UV light (23).

Is tomato soup good for gas?

No. Much anecdotal evidence suggests that tomato soup is rich in fiber and natural sugars that can be difficult to digest for some people and cause gas, bloating, and constipation.

Is tomato soup rich in iron?

No. The quantity of iron found in a serving of tomato soup is often insignificant, considering the fact that tomatoes themselves contain a small amount of iron.

Is tomato soup good for hemoglobin?

Yes. Tomato soup is rich in selenium that helps promote blood circulation and hemoglobin levels (8).

Key Takeaways

  • Tomato soup is super rich in vitamins C and A, which provide 20% of the daily recommended value of vitamins.
  • It may improve bone and cardiovascular health and aid in weight loss.
  • Avoid excess consumption of tomato soup due to its high sodium content, which may cause kidney damage.
tomato soup benefits

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team


Tomato soup is delicious, nutritious, and an absolute comfort meal. Click on this video to know more about its health benefits and potential side effects you should keep in mind before consuming it.

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

  1. Soup tomato low sodium with water
    https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/171591/nutrients
  2. The combined effect of vitamin K and calcium on bone mineral density in humans: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
    https://josr-online.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13018-021-02728-4
  3. Potential Role of Lycopene in the Prevention of Postmenopausal Bone Loss: Evidence from Molecular to Clinical Studies
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7582596/
  4. Lycopene attenuates LPS-induced TNF-α secretion in macrophages and inflammatory markers in adipocytes exposed to macrophage-conditioned media
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/225080746_Lycopene_attenuates_LPS-induced_TNF-a_secretion_in_macrophages_and_inflammatory_markers_in_adipocytes_exposed_to_macrophage-conditioned_media
  5. Tomatoes and cardiovascular health
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12587984/
  6. Tomato lycopene and its role in human health and chronic diseases
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC80172/?report=reader
  7. Positive Effects of Tomato Paste on Vascular Function After a Fat Meal in Male Healthy Subjects
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC6163719/
  8. Selenium Deficiency as a Risk Factor for Development of Anemia
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322162749_Selenium_Deficiency_as_a_Risk_Factor_for_Development_of_Anemia
  9. Copper: from neurotransmission to neuroproteostasis
    https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnagi.2014.00143/full
  10. Enhancing the Health-Promoting Effects of Tomato Fruit for Biofortified Food
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC3972926/
  11. Tomato juice supplementation in young women reduces inflammatory adipokine levels independently of body fat reduction
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25837214/
  12. Tomatoes Tomato-Based Products Lycopene and Cancer: Review of the Epidemiologic Literature
    https://academic.oup.com/jnci/article/91/4/317/2543924
  13. An Update on the Health Effects of Tomato Lycopene
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC3850026/
  14. The effects of dietary lycopene supplementation on human seminal plasma
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/6346174_The_effects_of_dietary_lycopene_supplementation_on_human_seminal_plasma
  15. The effects of tomato juice on male infertility
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28049263/
  16. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and type 2 diabetes
    https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10942912.2018.1439959
  17. Molecular Mechanisms of Chromium in Alleviating Insulin Resistance
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC3308119/
  18. Tomatoes, red, ripe, raw, year round average
    https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/170457/nutrients
  19. Effect of sodium in a rehydration beverage when consumed as a fluid or meal
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9760324/
  20. Tomatoes: An Extensive Review of the Associated Health Impacts of Tomatoes and Factors That Can Affect Their Cultivation
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8869745/
  21. Sodium Intake and Hypertension
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC6770596/
  22. Tomato lycopene prevention of alcoholic fatty liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma development
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6308920/
  23. Discovering the link between nutrition and skin aging
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583891/
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