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?

Meatball Parmesan Hot Dish

Meatball Parmesan Hot Dish

Looking for an affordable, no-fuss recipe that your whole family will love? Give this Meatball Parmesan Hot Dish a try. It requires only one dish and makes use of canned veggies and frozen meatballs for an inexpensive, pantry-friendly dinner. Jarred tomato sauce and diced tomatoes add a bright, tangy flavor, and pack in the nutrients. Lycopene, the plant compound that gives tomatoes their signature red color, is a powerful antioxidant shown to help prevent certain cancers, including prostate cancer. Get your daily dose of lycopene, along with vitamin C, potassium, iron, and fiber with this delicious Italian-inspired meal.

Frozen meatballs, jarred tomato sauced, canned carrots, green beans, and tomatoes combine with gooey mozzarella cheese and crispy tater tots to make this simple yet delicious recipe that is sure to become a favorite. It requires just 30 minutes in the oven, and virtually no prep time thanks to the use of frozen and canned foods. Did you know canned tomatoes actually have more lycopene than fresh? The cooking process enhances the compound and makes it more bioavailable, so you can feel good about using canned tomato products for your health. Your wallet and your body will thank you for making this affordable, nutritious meal, and your taste buds are sure to be excited by the classic Italian flavors. Weeknights can be busy, and it may feel impossible to get a healthy meal on the table, but this dish makes it easy. For the full recipe, visit our friends at Del Monte.

If you’re looking for other delicious recipes, check out some of our favorites:

Tomato Pesto Hummus
Swiss Chard Pecan Lasagna
Black Bean Corn Chili

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?

Puttanesca Pasta

Puttanesca Pasta

Tired of the same old spaghetti and meatballs every week? Shake up your pasta routine with this quick and easy Puttanesca Pasta. Puttanesca is a classic Italian sauce consisting of anchovies, tomatoes, olives, and capers, creating the perfect balance of salty and savory. Canned tomatoes are the star of this dish, providing bright color and flavor, as well as being a nutrition powerhouse. Tomatoes are packed with lycopene, a cancer-fighting compound, as well as vitamin C, iron, and potassium. Plus, canned tomatoes actually have a higher lycopene content than fresh, as the cooking and canning process enhances the availability of the nutrient, making it easier for your body to absorb.

You can feel good about serving this delectable Mediterranean-inspired meal to your family, and they will delight in the complex flavors. To make this meal extra special, serve with a simple side salad dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Whether you’re enjoying Puttanesca Pasta for a Sunday family dinner or a simple weeknight meal for one, you’ll be satisfied.

For the full recipe, visit our friends at Pacific Coast Producers.

For other delicious recipes, check out some of our favorites:

Chipotle Tomato Rice POWER Bowl
Swiss Chard Pecan Lasagna
Pan Seared Pork Chops with Bourbon Peach Compote

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?