Have you ever wondered why canned tomatoes are so popular? Not only are they delicious, but it’s also a great way to reduce your risk of cancer. From affordability to versatility, learn more about why tomatoes are the #1 canned food in America!
Did you know that tomatoes are the most frequently consumed canned vegetable, and fourth most frequently consumed fresh vegetable in the USA? [1] There are many reasons why canned tomatoes are so popular, as they are affordable, delicious, shelf stable, and extremely versatile! Additionally, they pack a powerful nutrition punch when compared to than their fresh counterparts, as studies have shown that canned tomatoes can reduce the risk of certain cancers and cardiovascular disease (CVD).
There is emerging research showing the connection between tomato consumption and reduced risk for cardiovascular diseases and prostate cancer [1]. Prostate cancer is the most newly frequently diagnosed cancer and is the leading cause of cancer death in men. According to the American Cancer Society, there are nearly 250,000 new cases of prostate cancer in the U.S. each year, resulting in more than 34,000 deaths [1]. A body of evidence supporting the benefits of tomatoes for reducing the risk of prostate cancer has mounted over the past several years, and research shows the promise of tomato consumption on prostate cancer protection.
Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in the USA, with over 70 million Americans having some form of it [1]. While more research is needed to determine the exact mechanisms in which a healthy diet delays the onset of CVD and prostate cancer, there is promising evidence supporting a diet rich in antioxidants (specifically from canned tomatoes) [1]. This could be due to the bioactive compounds found in tomatoes, as they activate the health benefits associated with these products, and result in an advantageous outcome on platelet aggregation. Recent research shows that tomato products play an important role in preventing platelet aggregation (i.e. reducing the amount of blood clots that can lead to cardiovascular diseases).
Making healthy meals doesn’t have to be time consuming or complicated. That’s why canned tomatoes are the #1 canned food in America, as you can use them to get dinner on the table in no time…all while boosting your health and saving money! No matter what type of cuisine you enjoy, you can incorporate canned tomatoes into almost any dish for added flavor and health.
1.Canene-Adams, K., Campbell, J. K., Zaripheh, S., Jeffery, E. H., & Erdman, J. W. (2005). The Tomato as a functional food. The Journal of Nutrition, 135(5), 1226–1230. https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/135.5.1226
Aging causes a decrease in cognitive decline, but you may be able to stave off the effects based on what you eat. A decline in cognitive function (such as Alzheimer’s disease) may be prevented through good nutrition, so read on to learn more about how canned tomatoes play a role in brain health.
It’s no secret that with aging comes a decrease in cognitive function. Alzheimer’s disease is one of the leading causes of dementia, and comes loss of memory, language, problem-solving and other skills related to critical thinking [1]. However, did you know that it is possible to prevent cognitive decline with a healthy diet?
Without protection, the aging process can bring on free radicals and inflammation that wreak havoc and can even lead to diseases such as dementia [1]. However, certain properties within food can provide a protective effect to our cells, as antioxidant phytochemicals can remove free radicals and reduce inflammation within the body. One of these powerful antioxidants is lycopene, which is found in tomatoes. Studies have shown that low levels of lycopene within the body can leave you at a greater risk for disease, which is why eating foods rich in this antioxidant is beneficial for health. Researchers are also currently studying the specific effects that lycopene has on cognitive function, as there have been associations between lower circulating lycopene and higher rates of Alzheimer’s disease mortality [1].
While lycopene can be found in any type of tomato, it is particularly concentrated in canned tomato products. When tomatoes go through the canning process, they are heated, which increases the body’s ability to absorb lycopene.
Including canned tomatoes in your weekly recipes is a great way to promote good healthy and protect your body from signs of aging. So, what are you waiting for? Enjoy all the flavors and health benefits that canned tomatoes have to offer by trying some delicious new recipes.
Check out some delicious recipes featuring canned tomatoes:
Crowe-White, K. M., Phillips, T. A., & Ellis, A. C. (2019). Lycopene and cognitive function.Journal of Nutritional Science, 8. https://doi.org/10.1017/jns.2019.16
Calling all soup lovers! A warm bowl of soup is sometimes just the trick for an easy, satisfying meal. That’s why this Santa Fe Chicken Soup is one you should try out this season. FIlled with whole grains, legumes, lean protein, and veggies, you can have a perfectly balanced meal on the table in under 30 minutes.
This recipe is a great way to utilize pantry staples like canned and dried goods, as these ingredients are shelf stable and affordable. Canned tomatoes are one of these canned goods that are easy to use while being extremely nutritious, which is why adding them to soups is a simple way to boost the nutrition content.
Thanks to the reduced sodium diced tomatoes, this recipe is lower in sodium than the typical canned kind, which makes it a heart healthy option. And, since canned tomato products are rich in lycopene, they also contribute to a reduced risk of cardiovascular diease, as research shows that tomato products play an important role in preventing platelet aggregation (i.e. reducing the amount of blood clots that can lead to cardiovascular diseases). Additionally, tomato products can improve cholesterol by improving lipid profiles, as studies have found that consumption has lead to a significant decrease in cholesterol and triglyceride levels, as well as body weight and fat percentage.
So, what are you waiting for? Cozy up to this delicious soup for those chilly fall and winter nights.
Get the full recipe for Santa Fe Chicken Soup by visiting our friends at Fruits and Veggies.
For other delicious soup recipes, check out some of our favorites:
Soup’s up! There’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of tomato soup to warm your soul during the cooler months. That’s why this recipe for Creamy Tomato Soup with Popcorn is a fan-favorite–it’s a unique twist on a classic meal that will leave you feeling cozy. Additionally, these ingredients for this recipe are things you may already have in your pantry (such as diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, honey, and EVOO), making it a healthful, easy recipe to whip up on any weeknight. Plus, tossing a handful of popcorn on top makes for a smile-inducing experience. Serve it with a simple sandwich or a hearty salad, or even enjoy on it’s own. The sky is the limit!
Thanks to the reduced sodium diced tomatoes, this recipe is lower in sodium than the typical canned kind, which makes it a heart healthy option. And, since canned tomato products are rich in lycopene, they also contribute to a reduced risk of cardiovascular diease, as research shows that tomato products play an important role in preventing platelet aggregation (i.e. reducing the amount of blood clots that can lead to cardiovascular diseases). Additionally, tomato products can improve cholesterol by improving lipid profiles, as studies have found that consumption has lead to a significant decrease in cholesterol and triglyceride levels, as well as body weight and fat percentage.
So, go ahead and enjoy this nutrient-dense Creamy Tomato Soup! Your heart, soul, and taste buds will thank you.
Meet Anne Mauney, RD! Anne is our Tomato Wellness Registered Dietitian for October 2021, and she is excited to share some of her favorite delicious recipes starring tomato products. Anne Mauney is a Washington DC Area Registered Dietitian (RD) and mom of 2 with a Masters of Public Health in Nutrition from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Anne is the owner and author of fANNEtastic food, a healthy lifestyle food and recipe blog that she started in 2009 as a way to motivate others to lead happier, healthier lives through nutrition and exercise. She aims to show readers that it doesn’t have to be hard or complicated to be healthy – and in fact, it can even be fun! On her blog, you’ll find simple healthy recipes, quick meal ideas, running training plans, health tips, and daily adventures. In addition to blogging, Anne has worked to provide life changing one-on-one nutrition coaching services, dynamic group programs and seminars, and expert nutrition advice in the media. She has also spoken at a number of blogging, social media, and nutrition conferences, including FNCE, on the topics of building a personal brand and successful online business, increasing website traffic and social media following, understanding search engine optimization (SEO), and increasing revenue as a blogger. You can find Anne on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Anne says: “We always have a can or two of tomatoes on hand – they are one of my favorite go-to pantry staples! In addition to being necessary for making a lot of my favorite soups, chilis or stews, I also use canned diced tomatoes to make one of my all-time best super quick and easy dinners – my Saucy Tomato Artichoke Chicken, which is linked below! It only uses a handful of ingredients and one pan to get dinner on the table in a flash.”
Need some recipe inspiration? Check out some of Anne’s favorite recipes featuring tomato products, including some meatless options that are perfect for Vegetarian month!
This Saucy Tomato and Artichoke Chicken goes from stove to table in under 15 minutes with just 4 ingredients! It’ll definitely be your new go-to weeknight dinner.
The combination of beans, whole grain pasta, and veggies in this soup makes it balanced and filling, but it's seriously the easiest recipe to put together, and it feeds a crowd, too.
This sweet potato lentil chili is the perfect meal for a cold winter day, packed with nutrients and fiber from the sweet potatoes, lentils, and veggies.
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