by Tomato Wellness | Oct 21, 2024 | Health, News, Uncategorized
Keeping your heart healthy one bite at a time!
What is cardiovascular disease?
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:
Tomato Basil Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
Creamy California Walnut and Tomato Soup
Grilled Fish with Gazpacho Salsa
References:
- 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
by Tomato Wellness | Oct 4, 2024 | Health, Uncategorized
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
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
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
by Tomato Wellness | Sep 20, 2024 | Health, Uncategorized
Turning up the heat on tomatoes cools inflammation
Tomato products that undergo heat processing can have powerful health benefits when eaten on a regular basis. Research has found that dietary intake of tomato products may be correlated with lower inflammation.
What is inflammation?
Inflammation is like hot, sunny summer days. At first, you find joy in soaking up every ray. But after a while, intensifying summer heat waves strain your body’s resources and make you feel exhausted. Acute inflammation is like those early days of summer. It is a part of the normal, healthy immune response that guards your body from viruses, bacteria, injury, and other foreign invaders. Acute inflammation is the protective fever when you have the flu and the redness and swelling that help heal a twisted ankle. Minor inflammation is normal and healthy as your immune system mobilizes to protect and heal your body from illness and injury.1-3
Chronic inflammation is like a heat wave that strains the system. Persistent irritation or invasion of harmful substances over-activates the body’s defense mechanisms. Chronic inflammation can damage cells, inhibit body balance, and fuel damaging inflammation. It is a common root cause of many illnesses like diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and hypertension.2,3
Preventing chronic inflammation
Small, manageable changes in your lifestyle go a long way in reducing or preventing chronic inflammation. Healthy, inflammation-busting habits include:2,3
- Increasing physical activity: Physical inactivity is associated with higher markers of inflammation in the body. Even light exercise, like walking, can help lower inflammation.
- Managing stress: Cortisol (aka the “stress hormone”) sends signals that our body needs to stay on high alert, which contributes to inflammation. Breathwork, meditation, and yoga can help alleviate stress.
- Eating a healthy diet: Frequent intake of less healthy foods like refined grains, sugary or salty foods, and saturated fats can wreak havoc on the system. This dietary pattern alters the gut microbiome, an essential component of immune system function and inflammation management. A nutritious diet, full of whole grains, fruits (like tomatoes!), and vegetables, helps balance your gut, boost health, and reduce inflammation.
How tomato products fight inflammation
Rich in antioxidants like lycopene, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E, tomatoes support the body’s normal immune function.1 At the same time, these antioxidants fight destructive, chronic inflammation by quenching free radicals (unstable molecules that can damage cells and DNA).
Lycopene is one of the most robust antioxidants research has discovered. It is a nutraceutical, meaning that it has therapeutic health effects.4 Recent research shows correlations between dietary lycopene intake and reductions in markers of inflammation in the body, like C-reactive protein.5,6 Studies have also discovered that lycopene may inhibit proinflammatory molecules and pathways that worsen chronic inflammation.4
Heating tomatoes cools inflammation
Preparing tomato products like sauces, pastes, and soups can involve heating the tomatoes. Heat processing softens the cell walls, freeing the lycopene for better absorption. Scientific evidence also suggests that heating changes the chemical structure of lycopene, causing the linear structure to bend.7 This makes the lycopene in heat-processed tomato products more bioavailable than in fresh tomatoes, meaning it is easier for the body to absorb and use.1,4 Regular consumption of highly bioavailable lycopene in processed tomato products could enhance anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.4
Tomato products are nutritious, delicious, and versatile! There are many craveable ways to use tomatoes in daily meals, like a vibrant and savory tomato sauce, a refreshing, zesty salsa, or a comforting, rich bowl of tomato soup. Try one of these recipes to boost your lycopene intake:
One Pan Chicken Cacciatore
Creamy California Walnut and Tomato Soup
Crockpot Chicken Burrito Bowl
You can also check out The Tomato Products Wellness Council Cookbook for 17 mouthwatering and healthy tomato recipes.
References:
- 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
- Furman D, Campisi J, Verdin E. et al. Chronic inflammation in the etiology of disease across the life span. Nat Med 25, 1822–1832 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-019-0675-0
- Pahwa R, Goyal A, Jialal I. Chronic Inflammation. [Updated 2023 Aug 7]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493173/#
- 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
- Ghavipour M, Saedisomeolia A, Djalali M, et al. Tomato juice consumption reduces systemic inflammation in overweight and obese females. Br J Nutr. 2013;109(11):2031-2035. doi:10.1017/S0007114512004278
- Hurtado-Barroso S, Martínez-Huélamo M, Rinaldi de Alvarenga JF, et al. Acute Effect of a Single Dose of Tomato Sofrito on Plasmatic Inflammatory Biomarkers in Healthy Men. Nutrients. 2019;11(4):851. doi:10.3390/nu11040851
- Wang H, Lin Y, Liu Q, et al. Antioxidant, anticancer activity and molecular docking study of lycopene with different ratios of Z-isomers. Curr Res Food Sci. 2023;6:100455. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crfs.2023.100455
by Tomato Wellness | Jun 12, 2024 | Uncategorized
Ah, the age-old battle: red sauce vs. white sauce. While both have their place, when dining out, the crown often falls to the vibrant red. Here’s why choosing the red sauce over the white sauce at restaurants might be the tastier (and sometimes healthier) option:
Flavor Fiesta
Freshness Focus
Red sauces, typically tomato-based, often highlight seasonal ingredients. Fresh summer tomatoes burst with sweetness in a light marinara, while robust winter tomatoes lend richness to hearty ragù. White sauces, on the other hand, can sometimes feel heavy and one-dimensional.
Complexity Craving
Red sauces boast a symphony of flavors. Tomatoes offer a sweet and tangy base, while herbs like basil and oregano add a fragrant punch. Roasted garlic provides a savory depth, and a hint of chili flakes brings a welcome heat. White sauces, while creamy, often lack this depth, relying heavily on cheese and butter for richness.
Dietary Decisions
Calorie Consciousness
Red sauces tend to be lighter than their white counterparts. A simple marinara can have as little as 100 calories per serving, while a creamy alfredo sauce can pack upwards of 500. This makes red sauce a great choice for those watching their weight or seeking a lighter meal.
Nutritional Powerhouse
Red sauces are surprisingly good for you! Tomatoes are loaded with vitamins A and C, lycopene (an antioxidant linked to heart health), and essential minerals. White sauces, while offering some calcium from cheese, often lack the same nutritional punch.
Restaurant Reality
Restaurant Roulette
White sauces are notoriously tricky in restaurants. Achieving the perfect creamy texture without heaviness is difficult in large-scale preparation. Red sauces, on the other hand, are often simmered slowly, allowing flavors to develop, resulting in a more consistent and delicious dish.
Variety is the Spice of Life
Red sauces offer a wider range of options. From a simple marinara to a chunky puttanesca with olives and capers, or a spicy arrabbiata, the possibilities are endless. White sauces, while comforting, can feel repetitive, especially on extensive menus.
The Final Verdict
Choosing red sauce isn’t about vilifying white sauce. Both have their place. However, when dining out, red sauce often offers a fresher, more vibrant, and potentially healthier option. With its focus on seasonal ingredients, layered flavors, and lighter profile, red sauce allows the true talents of chefs and the quality of restaurant ingredients to shine through. So, the next time you’re faced with the red vs. white dilemma, consider giving the classic red a try. You might be surprised at the symphony of flavors that awaits!
by Tomato Wellness | Jun 7, 2024 | Uncategorized
Food waste is a global issue. Every year, tons of perfectly edible food ends up in landfills, creating environmental and economic problems. But there’s a simple solution hiding in plain sight: the canned and frozen food sections of your grocery store! These unsung heroes can be powerful allies in the fight against food waste, offering convenience, affordability, and surprising nutritional value.
The Shelf-Life Superpower
Freshness Frozen in Time
Fresh fruits and vegetables have a short window of peak freshness. They wilt, bruise, and eventually spoil, leading to wasted food and money. Frozen produce, however, is flash-frozen at its peak ripeness, locking in nutrients and flavor. It’s a convenient way to enjoy fresh-tasting fruits and vegetables year-round, minimizing waste.
Canned Champions
Canned fruits and vegetables undergo a sterilization process that extends their shelf life significantly. This means you can enjoy a variety of produce, even out of season, without worrying about spoilage. No more wilted lettuce or forgotten berries at the back of the fridge!
The Planning Powerhouse
Portion Control Perfection
Food waste often happens because we buy too much fresh produce. Canned and frozen options often come in pre-portioned sizes, perfect for single meals or smaller households. This reduces the risk of buying more than you can use before it spoils.
Meal-Planning Magic
With a well-stocked pantry and freezer, you can easily whip up healthy meals without a last-minute grocery run. Frozen vegetables can be quickly steamed and added to stir-fries or soups. Canned beans are a pantry staple, ready for dips, salads, or quick bean burgers. This helps avoid impulse buys and wasted fresh produce.
The Nutritional No-Nos (Debunked!)
Myth: Frozen and Canned Food is Less Nutritious
Modern freezing and canning techniques effectively preserve most vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Frozen fruits and vegetables are often picked and frozen at peak ripeness, potentially retaining more nutrients than produce that travels long distances before reaching your grocery store.
Focus on the Label
Choose canned vegetables with minimal added sodium. Opt for fruits packed in water or their own juice instead of sugary syrups. With a little planning, you can find healthy and nutritious options in the canned and frozen food aisles.
Making the Most of Your Shelf-Stable Stars
Plan Your Meals
Plan your meals around canned and frozen options. Look for recipes that utilize these ingredients to avoid impulse purchases.
Get Creative
Don’t underestimate the versatility of canned and frozen foods! Experiment with different flavors and cuisines. Leftover canned beans can be transformed into a hearty chili, while frozen berries can become a delicious smoothie.
Don’t Forget the Leftovers
Leftovers are champions against food waste! Repurpose leftover canned or frozen ingredients into new and exciting dishes.
By embracing canned and frozen options, you can become a champion against food waste. They offer convenience, affordability, and surprising nutritional value. So, the next time you’re at the grocery store, don’t overlook the power of the canned and frozen food aisles. With a little creativity and planning, you can create delicious meals, save money, and do your part to reduce food waste!
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