Cancer is a condition where abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, often forming tumors and sometimes spreading to other parts of the body. It can affect nearly any organ or tissue and comes in many forms, such as breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancer. Globally, cancer remains one of the leading causes of death, profoundly impacting millions of lives each year.1 While medical advancements have improved treatment options, diet and lifestyle play a critical role in both prevention and recovery.2,3 Among dietary options, processed tomato products stand out as surprisingly powerful allies in the fight against cancer.4
The Cancer-Fighting Power of Processed Tomato Products
When it comes to cancer prevention and treatment, the humble tomato might not immediately come to mind. However, processed tomato products—such as tomato paste, sauce, and juice—are emerging as nutritional powerhouses with remarkable potential to support health and combat cancer.5 Let’s explore why these staples of your pantry deserve a closer look.
Rich in Lycopene: A Potent Antioxidant
The primary claim to fame for processed tomato products is their high lycopene content. Lycopene is a carotenoid—a type of natural pigment—that gives tomatoes their red color. More importantly, it acts as a powerful antioxidant, neutralizing harmful free radicals that can damage cells and lead to cancer initiation, or carcinogenesis.5-7
Research suggests that lycopene may play a role in reducing the risk of certain types of cancer, including:
Prostate Cancer: Studies show a strong link between lycopene intake and reduced prostate cancer risk. Consuming processed tomato products, in particular, on a weekly basis have demonstrated significant benefits in supporting prostate health and lowering the risk of cancer.6-9
Breast Cancer: Lycopene may also reduce the risk of breast cancer by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells and promoting apoptosis (programmed cell death).6 Additional research shows that lycopene may play a role in inactivating a growth factor essential for breast cancer development.10
Stomach Cancer: Research indicates potential protective effects of antioxidant-rich tomato products. Lycopene, vitamin C, and β-Carotene fight damage to cells and their DNA. The nutrients in tomato products may even play a role in altering cancer gene expression and reducing cancer cell proliferation.10,11
Processed is Better
Interestingly, processed tomato products are often more beneficial than fresh tomatoes when it comes to cancer prevention. Why? The heat used during processing breaks down the tomato’s cellular structure, making lycopene more bioavailable—easier for your body to absorb.10
For example, tomato paste, juice, and sauces contain much higher concentrations of lycopene than raw tomatoes. Cooking tomatoes with a healthy fat like olive oil further enhances lycopene absorption.10,12
Anti-Inflammatory and Immune-Boosting Properties
Chronic inflammation is a key factor in cancer development.6 Processed tomato products contain not only lycopene but also other bioactive compounds, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and polyphenols, which help reduce inflammation. Additionally, these nutrients support a healthy immune system, which is critical for preventing and fighting cancer.5,6,8,10
Supporting Cancer Treatment
For individuals undergoing cancer treatment, processed tomato products can be a valuable dietary addition:
Nutrient Density: They are packed with vitamins and minerals that help maintain strength and support recovery.5,8,11,12
Digestive: Cooked tomato products may be easier on the digestive system, making them a suitable choice for individuals dealing with treatment-related gastrointestinal side effects. Additionally, tomatoes have been shown to support gut health, a vital component in reducing inflammation and promoting overall well-being.10
Versatility: From soups to sauces, processed tomatoes are an easy way to enhance meals and boost overall nutrition.
Other Dietary and Lifestyle Habits for Cancer Prevention
In addition to incorporating processed tomato products into your diet, adopting other healthy habits can further reduce your cancer risk2,3:
Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on a plant-based diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. These foods are high in fiber, antioxidants, and phytochemicals, which help protect cells from damage.
Limit Processed and Red Meats: High consumption of processed meats like bacon and sausage has been linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Opt for lean protein sources like fish, poultry, or plant-based alternatives.
Avoid Excess Sugar and Alcohol: Excessive sugar intake can contribute to obesity, a known cancer risk factor. Similarly, limiting alcohol consumption reduces the risk of cancers such as breast and liver cancer.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity is a significant risk factor for several types of cancer, including breast, colon, and pancreatic cancer. Regular physical activity and mindful eating can help manage weight.
Stay Active: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week. Exercise improves immune function, reduces inflammation, and regulates hormones that can impact cancer development.
Don’t Smoke: Smoking is the leading preventable cause of cancer, responsible for cancers of the lungs, throat, and mouth, among others. Quitting smoking is one of the most effective ways to lower your cancer risk.
Protect Your Skin: Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing to reduce the risk of skin cancer from UV radiation.
Regular Screenings: Early detection through routine screenings, such as mammograms or colonoscopies, can significantly improve outcomes for certain types of cancer.
Incorporating Processed Tomato Products into Your Diet
Adding processed tomato products to your diet is simple and delicious. Here are a few ideas:
Use tomato paste as a base for hearty soups and stews.
Add marinara sauce to whole-grain pasta or veggie noodles.
Sip on a glass of low-sodium tomato juice as a snack.
Spread a layer of tomato puree on homemade pizza for a healthful twist.
Conclusion
Processed tomato products are much more than a pantry staple—they’re a potent tool in the fight against cancer. Rich in bioavailable lycopene and other beneficial nutrients, these versatile foods can help reduce cancer risk, support treatment, and enhance overall health.8,11,12
By embracing the goodness of processed tomatoes, you’re not only adding flavor to your meals but also investing in long-term wellness. So, stock up on tomato paste, sauce, and juice, and let these nutrient-packed foods become a delicious part of your health journey.
Jiménez Bolaño DC, Insuasty D, Rodríguez Macías JD, Grande-Tovar CD. Potential use of tomato peel, a rich source of lycopene, for cancer treatment. Molecules. 2024; 29(13):3079. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29133079
Imran M, Ghorat F, Ul-Haq I, et al. Lycopene as a Natural Antioxidant Used to Prevent Human Health Disorders. Antioxidants (Basel). 2020;9(8):706. doi:10.3390/antiox9080706
Basu, A., Imrhan, V. Tomatoes versus lycopene in oxidative stress and carcinogenesis: conclusions from clinical trials. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2007;61:295–303. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602510
Moran NE, Thomas-Ahner JM, Wan L, Zuniga KE, Erdman JW, Clinton SK. Tomatoes, lycopene, and prostate cancer: What have we learned from experimental models? J Nutr. 2022;152(6):1381-1403. https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/nxac066
Fraser, G.E., Jacobsen, B.K., Knutsen, S.F. et al. Tomato consumption and intake of lycopene as predictors of the incidence of prostate cancer: The Adventist Health Study-2.Cancer Causes Control. 2020; 31:341–351. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10552-020-01279-z
Collins EJ, Bowyer C, Tsouza A, Chopra M. Tomatoes: An Extensive Review of the Associated Health Impacts of Tomatoes and Factors That Can Affect Their Cultivation. Biology (Basel). 2022;11(2):239. doi:10.3390/biology11020239
Mazidi M, Ferns GA, Banach M. A high consumption of tomato and lycopene is associated with a lower risk of cancer mortality: Results from a multi-ethnic cohort. Public Health Nutrition. 2020;23(9):1569-1575. doi:10.1017/S1368980019003227
Carvalho GC, de Camargo BAF, de Araújo JTC, Chorilli M. Lycopene: From tomato to its nutraceutical use and its association with nanotechnology. Trends in Food Science & Technology. 2021;118:447-458. doi:10.1016/j.tifs.2021.10.015
When you choose tomato products labeled “Made in the USA,” you’re not just supporting American farmers—you’re prioritizing transparency, ethical labor practices, and sustainability in your food choices. Recent investigations have revealed the growing practice of deceptive labeling in the global tomato industry, making buying local more important than ever.
What’s Really in Your Imported Tomatoes?
A recent bombshell report from the BBC revealed that Italy, long associated with premium tomato products, has been importing and repackaging Chinese tomato paste—some sourced from regions linked to forced labor. These products are then marketed as “Made in Italy,” misleading consumers and putting unfair pressure on authentic Italian farmers. While these questionable products may not yet be entering U.S. markets, this discovery raises serious concerns about the integrity of the products labeled as premium imports.
Take “San Marzano” tomatoes, for example, often celebrated by online influencers for their magical quality. The official growing region for this sought-after variety in southern Italy spans just 740 acres, a tiny fraction of the land needed to meet the global demand. This huge disparity calls into question how many of the “San Marzanos” on supermarket shelves are truly authentic. Experts estimate that up to 95% of these tomatoes aren’t the genuine article, making them the “Fake Rolex” of canned tomatoes.
American Tomatoes: The Hidden Champions
Blind taste test after blind taste test, including another this year by The New York Times, have revealed perhaps an unexpected truth: American-grown tomatoes outperform even the prized San Marzanos. American tomatoes are fresher, more affordable, and often surpass their imported counterparts in flavor and quality. This is fantastic news for those who want top-notch taste while supporting local agriculture and saving money.
We understand if you’ve grown up with memories of your Nonna’s Sunday sauce made with a specific brand of imported tomatoes. Taste is personal, and nostalgia plays a big role in food choices. But it’s important to recognize that the notion that imported tomatoes are superior has been debunked time and again. We encourage people to try it out for themselves and discover their favorite, and not just believe things blindly because someone told you to on Instagram.
Beyond the flavor and quality, by choosing U.S.-grown tomatoes, you’re supporting family farmers who work hard to meet the highest standards of quality and sustainability—without the cloud of deceptive sourcing practices.
Why Buy Local?
Supporting U.S. farmers means knowing exactly where your food comes from. Domestic tomatoes are grown and processed under strict regulations, ensuring quality and authenticity. By buying local, you’re also reducing the carbon footprint associated with shipping products across oceans—sometimes 6,000 miles from Italy, or even farther if the ingredients come from China first.
American-grown tomatoes also support a more sustainable food system. Local farmers take pride in their work, ensuring a direct connection between their fields and your table. When you choose products grown close to home, you’re investing in community, sustainability, and fair practices.
Look for Transparency in Labeling
When shopping, check for “Made in the USA” labels or certifications that guarantee authenticity. With imported goods marks like “D.O.P.” (Protected Designation of Origin) are not foolproof. Choosing local products ensures your food hasn’t taken an unnecessary trip across the world, and it supports hardworking farmers and the whole food chain right here in your community.
Look for that Good Ol’ US of A sticker and assure yourself of quailty, transparency and that you’re making the best choice for your family and the planet.
Canned tomatoes can be a great benefit to men’s health. Go red for Movember and learn more about the power of tomatoes in our battle against prostate cancer.
It’s Movember – which means during the month of November, we are bringing awareness to men’s health. According to the Movember website, approximately 10.8 million men across the globe have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. That does not even include other health implications like testitular cancer and men’s suicide.
While cancer can develop as a result of age or family genetics, there are also other potential factors that can be avoided or reduced. Some of the most studied risk factors for cancer are age related risk, alcohol, chronic inflammation, tobacco use, obesity, diet and cancer causing substances.The National Cancer Institute suggests that limiting your exposure to some of these lifestyle behaviors and maintaining a healthy weight can help to lower your risk of developing certain cancers. Diet can be incredibly impactful and a focus on choosing foods rich in antioxidants and vegetables has been associated with reducing cancer risk [1]. In fact, tomatoes, especially canned tomatoes, are a very popular source of antioxidants rich with beta-carotene and lycopene [2].
Tomatoes have a powerful team.
Tomatoes have an incredible team of nutrients to provide our bodies with cancer fighting benefits. They are full of antioxidants which are known for their ability to neutralize free-radicals. It is possible for the body to create some antioxidants, but for the most part you have to get your antioxidants from food sources [1].
The antioxidants that are present in tomatoes are lycopene, beta-carotene and vitamin C [4]. This team of nutrients is what leads scientists to believe that tomatoes can be impactful in the fight against cancer.
Fun fact: the red color of tomatoes is due to its lycopene content.
Canned tomato products like pizza sauce, ketchup, tomato paste, and tomato soup possess a more bioavailable form of lycopene due to the processing of these products [3]. This means that our bodies are better able to absorb these nutrients. While more studies are needed, lycopene has been associated with up to a 40% reduction of risk of aggressive prostate cancer [3]. Interestingly, one study showed that eating 2-4 servings of tomato sauce per week reduced the risk of prostate cancer by one-third [3].
Creative ways to go red for Movember
If you’re looking to add more canned tomatoes into your meal routine, we have you covered! Here are some of our favorite ways to use this produce item.
National Cancer Institute – Risks for Cancer, November 9, 2022 from https://www.cancer.gov
National Cancer Institute – Antioxidants and Cancer Prevention, November 9, 2022 from https://www.cancer.gov
A Review of Epidemiologic Studies of Tomatoes, Lycopene, and Prostate Cancer. Experimental Biology and Medicine, November 9, 2022 from doi:10.1177/15353702022270100
Healthline – Tomatoes, November 10, 2022 from https://www.healthline.com
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the umbrella term for multiple heart and blood vessel disorders, such as heart failure, heart attack, stroke, or arrhythmia. These conditions are commonly caused by less healthy lifestyle habits like smoking, excess sodium or fat intake, and low physical activity, leading to high blood pressure and atherosclerosis (buildup of plaque in arteries), which damage and narrow the vessels.1-4 Worldwide, CVD is the leading cause of death, accounting for approximately 25% of total deaths in the United States.1,2
Managing risk and preventing CVD
Despite CVD’s widespread reach, these conditions are not inevitable! Many risk factors are controllable, and can be managed with small, consistent lifestyle adjustments. Eating a balanced, nutritious diet, staying physically active, quitting smoking, and alleviating stress are several heart-healthy habits. They drastically lower your CVD risk by cutting down on chronic inflammation, reducing strain on the heart, improving cholesterol levels, and aiding in management of conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and healthy weight.3,5-7
Eat a balanced, nutritious diet rich in fruits (like tomatoes!), vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. These healthy foods are packed with antioxidants and fiber, and tend to be lower in sodium and less healthy saturated fats.
Stay physically active by finding enjoyable, sustainable activities for you. Whether you prefer walking in nature, taking a dance class, lifting weights at the gym, or trying to keep up with your kids (or dogs) at the park, there is an activity for every lifestyle.
Manage stress through breathing exercises, mindfulness, yoga, and seeking mental health support.
Quit smoking with the help of support groups, classes, counseling, and stress management techniques.
Tomato products: Keeping your heart healthy one bite at a time
Packed with antioxidant vitamins, phytonutrients, and nutraceuticals, tomato products lower systemic inflammation and boost heart health.7,8 Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant nutraceutical found in tomato products that helps prevent and reduce the severity of CVD. Research shows that lycopene inhibits the enzyme that synthesizes cholesterol, lowers LDL (unhealthy cholesterol), and prevents oxidative damage to blood vessels. These activities fight plaque buildup in the arteries, or atherosclerosis.3,7-9 Lycopene may even aid in blood vessel relaxation, contributing to a decline in blood pressure.3,7
Heat processing of tomatoes frees lycopene from cell walls, and bends the chemical structure, making lycopene more bioavailable and bioactive (easier for the body to absorb and use).3,8 Bioavailability of lycopene may also be increased when tomatoes are eaten with fats like olive oil, canola oil, or fatty fish (full of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids) or onions and garlic (packed with quercetin, a robust antioxidant).10 Heart-healthy meets mouthwatering indulgence with tomato products like creamy tomato soups, hearty marinaras, tangy tomato salsas.
For more ways to keep your heart healthy one bite at a time, and check out these nutritious, delicious recipes:
Olvera Lopez E, Ballard BD, Jan A. Cardiovascular Disease. [Updated 2023 Aug 22]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535419/
Martin SS, Aday AW, Almarzooq ZI et al. 2024 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics: A Report of US and Global Data From the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2024;149(8);e347-e913. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001209
Przybylska S, Tokarczyk G. Lycopene in the Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases. Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(4):1957. Published 2022 Feb 10. doi:10.3390/ijms23041957
Cámara M, Fernández-Ruiz V, Sánchez-Mata MC, Cámara RM, Domínguez L, Sesso HD. Scientific Evidence of the Beneficial Effects of Tomato Products on Cardiovascular Disease and Platelet Aggregation. Front Nutr. 2022 Mar 15;9:849841. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2022.849841.
Rippe JM. Lifestyle Strategies for Risk Factor Reduction, Prevention, and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease. Am J Lifestyle Med. 2018 Dec 2;13(2):204-212. doi: 10.1177/1559827618812395.
Ghodeshwar GK, Dube A, Khobragade D. Impact of lifestyle modifications on cardiovascular health: A narrative review. Cureus. 2023;15(7):e42616. doi: 10.7759/cureus.42616.
Murcia-Lesmes D,Domínguez-López I, Laveriano-Santos EP, et al. Association between tomato consumption and blood pressure in an older population at high cardiovascular risk: observational analysis of PREDIMED trial. Eur J Prev Cardiol. 2024;31(8):922-934. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurjpc/zwad363
Collins EJ, Bowyer C, Tsouza A, Chopra M. Tomatoes: An Extensive Review of the Associated Health Impacts of Tomatoes and Factors That Can Affect Their Cultivation. Biology (Basel). 2022;11(2):239. doi:10.3390/biology11020239
Cheng HM, Koutsidis G, Lodge JK, Ashor A, Siervo M, Lara J. Tomato and lycopene supplementation and cardiovascular risk factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Atherosclerosis. 2017;257:100-108. doi:10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2017.01.009
Carvalho GC, de Camargo BAF, de Araújo JTC, Chorilli M. Lycopene: From tomato to its nutraceutical use and its association with nanotechnology. Trends in Food Science & Technology. 2021;118:447-458. doi:10.1016/j.tifs.2021.10.015
Tomato products are a delicious component of a nutritious diet that supports healthy body weight. Studies also show that the powerful antioxidants in tomato products may also contribute to healthy weight management.
What is a healthy body weight?
A healthy body weight can be defined in many ways. It could be the weight at which a person feels energized and completes day to day activities with ease, or the weight that supports normal functions and keeps health markers like blood pressure within normal range. Body Mass Index (BMI) is another common way to categorize weight status. A BMI from 18.5-24.9 is considered healthy, a BMI between 25-29.9 signifies overweight, and a BMI ≥30 indicates obesity.1,2 Many factors, such as genetics, age, activity, diet, and environment, influence the number on the scale, so a healthy body weight can look different for each individual.1
How does weight influence health?
Rates of overweight and obesity are climbing each year across the globe, and are associated with many preventable chronic diseases.1 Maintaining a healthy body weight promotes overall physical and mental health, and reduces the risk of many chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. It can also improve mobility, increase energy levels, and boost mood.1,3
Maintaining a healthy body weight
Balancing energy in and energy out is key to balancing weight. Your body uses calories every day for normal functions like breathing, digestion, and movement. The diet provides energy from calories to fuel these functions. If calorie intake is higher than your needs, excess calories are stored as fat which causes weight gain.4 Consuming a nutrient rich, moderate calorie diet gives you plenty of energy for your day without tipping the balance toward weight gain. Eating patterns rich in fruits (like tomatoes!), vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins are associated with healthy weight balance.4,5
Tomatoes fill you up without filling you out
Tomatoes are a low-calorie fruit, with a high water and fiber content. With just 18 calories per 100 grams (or about 33 calories in a whole large tomato) you can load up on this refreshing and flavorful fruit without putting a huge dent in your daily calorie needs. Additionally, water constitutes approximately 94% of a tomato’s weight, so a tomato-rich diet physically fills your stomach, which sends signals to the brain that you are full. Rich in fiber, tomatoes are doubly effective for appetite management.6-8 Fiber can slow the rate that your stomach empties, helping you feel fuller for longer. Fiber also promotes normal digestion and a healthy balance of good gut bacteria, which also plays a role in weight management.7,8
Tomato products are packed with antioxidants like lycopene and beta-carotene. (Heat processed tomato products have even more bioavailable lycopene than fresh tomatoes.) Research has discovered that regular dietary consumption of tomato products rich in lycopene and beta-carotene can inhibit inflammation in the body, a major contributor to weight gain.9-11 These powerful antioxidants may also inhibit processes involved in fat storage and accumulation. fat storage and accumulation. Beta-carotene may help reduce adipogenesis (the growth and accumulation of body fat cells), while lycopene may play a role in inhibiting lipogenesis (the synthesis and storage of fatty acids in fat tissue).10,11 This nutraceutical also promotes conversion of fat cells to the more metabolically active brown fat.12 In short, the antioxidants in tomato products aid in healthy weight balance.
From savory marinara to sumptuous tomato paste to juicy salsa, there is a tasty and convenient option for any taste buds. Grab your favorite tomato product and take a delicious step toward a healthier you!
References:
1. Kinlen D, Cody D, O’Shea D. Complications of obesity. QJM. 2018;111(7):437-443. doi:10.1093/qjmed/hcx152
4. Romieu I, Dossus L, Barquera S, et al. Energy balance and obesity: What are the main drivers?. Cancer Causes Control. 2017;28:247–258. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10552-017-0869-z
5. Schwingshackl L, Bogensberger B, Hoffmann G. Diet quality as assessed by the Healthy Eating Index, Alternate Healthy Eating Index, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension score, and health outcomes: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2018 Jan;118(1):74-100.e11. doi: 10.1016/j.jand.2017.08.024. Epub 2017 Oct 27. PMID: 29111090.
7. Hervik AK, Svihus B. The Role of Fiber in Energy Balance. J Nutr Metab. 2019;2019:4983657. Published 2019 Jan 21. doi:10.1155/2019/4983657
8. Akbar A, Shreenath AP. High Fiber Diet. [Updated 2023 May 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559033/
9. Collins EJ, Bowyer C, Tsouza A, Chopra M. Tomatoes: An Extensive Review of the Associated Health Impacts of Tomatoes and Factors That Can Affect Their Cultivation. Biology (Basel). 2022;11(2):239. doi:10.3390/biology11020239
10. Mounien L, Tourniaire F, Landrier JF. Anti-obesity effect of carotenoids: Direct impact on adipose tissue and adipose tissue-driven indirect effects. Nutrients. 2019;11(7):1562. Published 2019 Jul 11. doi:10.3390/nu11071562
11. Wang J, Suo Y, Zhang J, et al. Lycopene supplementation attenuates western diet-induced body weight gain through increasing the expressions of thermogenic/mitochondrial functional genes and improving insulin resistance in the adipose tissue of obese mice. J Nutr Biochem. 2019;69:63-72. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnutbio.2019.03.008
12. Zhu R, Wei J, Liu H, et al. Lycopene attenuates body weight gain through induction of browning viaregulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ in high-fat diet-induced obese mice. J Nutr Biochem. 2020;78:108335. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnutbio.2019.108335
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