Health-Promoting Effects of Tomatoes

Health-Promoting Effects of Tomatoes

Want to boost your nutrient intake while enjoying a delicious bowl of pasta? Well, you’re in luck! An increasing amount of research has shown that the consumption of canned tomatoes is the perfect opportunity to eat a scrumptious meal while incorporating the daily recommended vitamins and minerals to fuel your body. Read on to find out more about the health-promoting effects of tomatoes, a vibrant red fruit that is loved by many.

Eating well-balanced, plant-powered meals everyday can be challenging, especially if you are constantly on the go. If you are looking for ways to cook easy, nutrient-packed meals for you and your family to enjoy, yet might be lacking the time and energy to do so, we have the inside scoop for you—invest in canned tomato products! By doing so, you will be able to whip up home-made, tomato-based recipes in under 30 minutes, and who doesn’t want that?

The increase in tomato products around the world isn’t just a coincidence. In fact, the incorporation of canned tomato products in various recipes is an affordable, accessible, and sustainable option, which is why everyone is raving about canned tomatoes. Not only is there a massive amount of tomato production each year, but canned tomatoes also offer a great source of nutrients for the human body. This research study focuses on the bioactive compounds and health-promoting effects of tomatoes that make them incredibly effective and enhance quality of life. One of the many important components found in tomatoes includes lycopene, which has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. Research studies provide sufficient evidence to suggest that tomatoes are powerful fruits, offering a ton of vitamins and minerals for our body’s to function properly. In fact, these nutrient-packed fruits have the power to prevent chronic noncommunicable diseases, such as obesity, coronary heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes.

When comprehending all this information about the benefits of canned tomatoes, it’s safe to say that canned tomatoes should be a staple in your pantry. Not only do they have the power to improve your long-term health, but they are incredibly versatile and easy to incorporate into numerous dishes!

Health Connection Between Tomatoes and Lycopene

Health Connection Between Tomatoes and Lycopene

What’s the health connection between tomatoes and lycopene? Researchers performed a review of 174 articles to determine the health outcomes associated with tomato and lycopene. In May 2020, this study provided evidence which supports the claim that consumption of tomatoes and lycopene are linked to numerous health benefits. Tomato intake has similar health effects to lycopene intake, as they are both inversely associated with mortality, prostate cancer, lung cancer, and heart diseases. There are a few variations between tomato and dietary lycopene intake: tomato products are inversely associated with cerebrovascular disease mortality and gastric cancer, while lycopene is inversely associated with stroke and male infertility.

Fresh tomatoes are not the only tomato products that are nutrient-rich and contain lycopene. In fact, canned tomatoes, marinara sauce, salsa, and even tomato soup have a slightly higher amount of lycopene in them due to the cooking and canning process they undergo. Similar to most nutrients, it’s more natural to obtain lycopene from foods rather than supplements. In order to achieve maximum health benefits associated with lycopene, it is recommended to consume tomato products with a heart healthy fat, such as olive oil or avocado. That’s why we recommend enjoying lycopene and its health benefits through delicious foods such as lasagna, curries, and bolognese. So, what are you waiting for? Enjoy some canned tomato products today!

For other tomato news, check out:

Top 11 Reasons to Go Red with Tomato Products
Can Tomatoes Help Your Kid Eat More Veggies?
What is Lycopene?

Lower Cancer Risk with Tomatoes

Lower Cancer Risk with Tomatoes

Did you know that you can seriously reduce your odds of getting cancer by what you put on your plate? You can help fight off this devastating disease by loading your plate with disease-fighting plant foods that are rich in a rainbow of phytochemicals which can provide anti-cancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities in every bite. Tomatoes are one food that will help lower cancer risk, as lycopene has been shown to be inversely related to cancer mortality.

In a study written by Cambridge Press University, researchers reviewed the correlation between tomato and lycopene consumption and cancer mortality in a prospective demographic cohort. With the help of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey of 1999-2010, the study was able to be conducted successfully and thoroughly. The participants of this study included individuals who consumed tomato and lycopene products in order to determine how the intake of these foods can improve health and reduce cancers risks. With this being said, other factors that may have contributed to decreased longevity of one’s lifespan were taken into consideration so that the data was accurate. The results of the study showed that tomato and lycopene consumption were inversely related to cancer mortality. However, the study suggests that there was no apparent evidence that supported the impact of tomato when comparing older versus younger adults and obese versus non-obese individuals. This enables us to conclude that age and weight were not a contributing factor to the results of this study. Additionally, the results provide sufficient evidence that tomato consumption may have potential benefits in terms of cancer risk reduction.

Other studies have also shown that increased tomato consumption, whether it’s canned or fresh, can reduce prostate cancer in men, decrease cardiovascular diseases, and enhance nutritional value in your daily diet. Thus, canned tomatoes should be a staple in your diet because they are not only nutritious, but they are affordable, easily accessible, delicious, and versatile as well! So the next time you’re at the grocery store, grab yourself some canned tomatoes. They can be incorporated into pastas, pizzas, stews, curries, and more!

For other tomato news, check out:

Top 11 Reasons to Go Red with Tomato Products
Can Tomatoes Help Your Kid Eat More Veggies?
What is Lycopene?

Tomato Products Can Reduce Risk of Certain Diseases

Tomato Products Can Reduce Risk of Certain Diseases

Can consuming tomato products reduce the risk of certain diseases and contribute to total/cause-specific mortality? In a study written by Cambridge University Press, researchers aimed to determine the long-term effects of tomato and lycopene consumption. In order to do so, they began by  assessing the changes in cardio-metabolic factors, such as obesity, hypertension, and blood sugar levels. The participants of the study included 23,935 individuals who were, on average, 47 years old and approximately half of them were men. The results of the study showed that tomato intake and lycopene consumption were inversely related with the total mortality, cause-specific mortality, congenital heart disease, and cerebrovascular mortality. However, these results were independent of certain factors, such as anthropometric, clinical, and nutritional parameters. Surprisingly, lycopene consumption and risk of certain diseases were not affected by age and obesity. Overall, the results suggest that tomato consumption can positively impact the health of individuals.

Although further evidence-based studies need to be conducted to confirm the impact of lycopene and tomato intake, we know that tomato products can reduce the risk of certain diseases. Canned, cooked, and fresh tomatoes all contain lycopene, which has been shown to improve overall health. In addition to lycopene, tomatoes are rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, fiber, potassium, iron, and other antioxidants. These nutrients are critical for both short and long term health, so it’s important to incorporate tomato products into your meals. Tomato is a versatile ingredient and can be paired well with just about any food —  pasta, pizza, sandwiches, salads, and more! So, go ahead and dive into the goodness of canned tomatoes for yourself!

For other tomato news, check out:

Top 11 Reasons to Go Red with Tomato Products
Can Tomatoes Help Your Kid Eat More Veggies?
What is Lycopene?

Tomato Consumption and Prostate Cancer

Tomato Consumption and Prostate Cancer

How does tomato consumption affect prostate cancer in men? The most common type of cancer among Western men is prostate cancer, but some studies suggest that men who consume more tomato products can reduce the risk of prostate cancer. In a recent Adventist Health Study, researchers wanted to determine the correlation between tomato intake and prostate cancer. The participants of the study included 27,934 Adventist men who did not have prostate cancer in the beginning of the study. After a 7.9 year follow-up, there were 1,226 men who ended up having prostate cancer and 355 of these men were greatly affected, as their cancer was aggressive. The results of the study showed that those who consumed 64-71 grams of canned and cooked tomato products per day had a reduced risk of prostate cancer. Though other factors need to be taken into consideration when making this assumption, there seems to be a significant inverse relationship between lycopene consumption and prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is a serious issue among men, so it’s important to spread awareness about this topic and discover preventive measures. More than 1.3 million men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year, and numerous studies suggest that lycopene has cancer-fighting properties. Lycopene can be found in tomato products, which contain anti-carcinogenic compounds, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber. With early detection and higher intake of fruits and vegetables, prostate cancer can be reduced. Thus, it’s important to ensure that you are eating healthy, well-balanced meals and staying active on a daily basis. With so many benefits surrounding canned tomatoes, go ahead and incorporate more tomato products into your daily diet to ensure maximum health!

For other tomato news, check out:

Top 11 Reasons to Go Red with Tomato Products
Can Tomatoes Help Your Kid Eat More Veggies?
What is Lycopene?

Health-Promoting Effects of Tomatoes

Reducing Cardiovascular Diseases with Tomato Products

Tomato products may play an integral role in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The bioactive compounds found in tomatoes activate the health benefits associated with these products, and result in an advantageous outcome on platelet aggregation. In March 2020, a published research article showed that there is sufficient evidence to assume 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). Although there is favorable science-based evidence that supports the benefits associated with tomato consumption, the European Food Safety Authority recommends that further studies be conducted to confirm these results.

Tomato paste, sauce, juice, salsa, and puree are all considered to be beneficial nutritional food components that can act as an anti-platelet aggregation. That’s good news, because canned tomato products are becoming increasingly popular. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, people have been shopping less frequently to avoid the risk of being exposed to coronavirus. Thus, people have been purchasing items that have a longer shelf-life. Since tomato products last longer than fresh produce, many people are more encouraged to buy these products as staples in their homes. In addition to their longer-lasting qualities, they are versatile and economical. Want to learn more about the benefits of canned tomatoes and how to incorporate them into your daily menu? Check out our blog for more information!

For other tomato news, check out:

Top 11 Reasons to Go Red with Tomato Products
Can Tomatoes Help Your Kid Eat More Veggies?
What is Lycopene?