by Tomato Wellness | Dec 11, 2021 | Food and Nutrition, News
Are fresh fruits and vegetables better for us than their processed alternatives? The answer may surprise you! Keep reading to learn more about processed food and its nutrition value.
There are many rumors out there when it comes to the nutrient content of fresh vs processed food. Many believe that “fresh is best” when it comes to fruits and vegetables; however, emerging evidence shows that this may not be true!
During the off season, many fruits and vegetables can become pricy and harder to find in their fresh form. This is where purchasing canned alternatives may be more friendly to both your wallet and your health! One example of this is the tomato. Found in many forms (fresh, frozen, canned, dried, and juiced), processed tomatoes are a good way to enjoy this healthful produce item all year long. In fact, studies show that the nutrition content of canned tomatoes contained significantly higher amounts of minerals such as sodium, potassium, and calcium [1]. Additionally, the vitamin C content of canned tomatoes is higher in canned tomatoes than their fresh counterpart [1].
Another nutrient found within tomatoes that is an antioxidant is called lycopene. Lycopene becomes more bioavailable when heated, therefore it is more prominent in canned tomatoes than fresh. During the canning process tomatoes are heated which activates the disease fighting lycopene. Choosing canned tomatoes can be a great way to incorporate healthy foods in your diet on a budget!
Learn more about the benefits of lycopene with these resources:
Lycopene and Canned Tomatoes May Help with Cancer Prevention
Health Connection Between Tomatoes and Lycopene
What is Lycopene?
References:
- Abdullahi, I. I., Abdullahi, N., Abdu, A. M., & Ibrahim, A. S. (2016, June 25).Proximate, mineral and vitamin analysis of fresh and Canned Tomato. Biosciences Biotechnology Research Asia. Retrieved December 16, 2021, from http://www.biotech-asia.org/vol13no2/proximate-mineral-and-vitamin-analysis-of-fresh-and-canned-tomato/
by Tomato Wellness | Dec 10, 2021 | Food and Nutrition, Media Recipe, Recipes
If you’re craving pizza and pasta, who says you can’t have both? This Instant Pot Pizza Pasta combines the flavors of two Italian classics, and can be finished cooking in only 10 minutes. What’s not to love?
Using an instant pot to make your meals not only saves time, but cuts down on the amount of dirty dishes as well! This entire meal can be made start to finish in one pot for easy cleanup. Plus, it’s kid-friendly, which makes dinner time even easier.
While this entire recipe tastes delicious, the star ingredient is tomato sauce. Not only does it marry the flavor of the pasta and the pizza, but it is also incredibly nutritious. Cooked tomato products (found in canned tomato productrs like pasta sauce) contain an ingredient called lycopene. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that has been proven to protect the body against many chronic diseases. 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 this recipe. So, what are you waiting for? Enjoy some canned tomato products today!
Get the full recipe for Instant Pot Pizza Pasta by visiting our friends at Red Gold Tomatoes.
For other delicious pasta recipes, check out some of our favorites:
Puttanesca Pasta
Pasta with Marinara and Roasted Vegetables
Walnut and Mushroom Ragu
by Tomato Wellness | Dec 1, 2021 | Food and Nutrition, Health
Did you know that using canned foods can provide you with both convenience and better health? Here’s what science has to say about canned tomatoes and higher nutrition intake.
In our modern times, we are all about convenience, especially when it comes to cooking. Although fruits and vegetable are important to include in our diet, many of us may gravitate towards easy, no hassle options that we can make in a pinch. Some of us may even feel guilty when we don’t spend hours in the kitchen prepping and cooking fresh vegetables. The good news is that you do not have to sacrifice valuable time to eat healthy!
Canned goods have been used for years to preserve the summertime crops and ensure that food was available all year round. Perhaps in these modern times, you may feel guilty about consuming processed foods because you are told that they are all bad for health. The truth is that not all processed foods are created equal. Technically, canned vegetables are considered processed, as they are washed, cooked, and prepared to stay fresh on your shelf for many months. With so little time in our busy schedules, why not utilize these canned options to have quick and easy produce available to us at any time of year?
There is a myth that canned vegetables are not as nutritious as fresh ones. This myth is false. In fact, research has shown that those who frequently consume canned foods tend to consume more nutrient-dense foods and have a higher nutrient intake compared to those who don’t consume canned foods [1]. In this study, the group who consumed canned foods between 3-5 times per week had higher intakes of 17 essential vitamins and minerals including potassium, calcium, and fiber [1]. One of the most nutritious processed foods that you can consume are canned tomatoes. This is because tomatoes contain a carotenoid called lycopene that is praised for its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Lycopene is absorbed much between when tomatoes are cooked, which makes canned tomato products a great way to boost your nutrition!
While fresh produce is always a great idea, canned vegetables are a sure-fire way to ensure that your diet does not falter in times when you are not able to get to the farmers market. So go ahead and stock up your pantry with some delicious processed foods, including canned tomatoes!
Learn more about the benefits of lycopene with these resources:
Lycopene and Canned Tomatoes May Help with Cancer Prevention
Health Connection Between Tomatoes and Lycopene
What is Lycopene?
References:
- Comerford, K. (2015). Frequent canned food use is positively associated with nutrient-dense food group consumption and higher nutrient intakes in US children and adults. Nutrients, 7(7), 5586–5600. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu7075240
by Tomato Wellness | Nov 30, 2021 | Media Recipe, Recipes
Who said that soups can’t be filling and hearty? This sausage tortellini soup is a warming and filling meal that can be eaten on its own as an entire meal or served alongside your favorite dishes!
This soup combines the delicious flavors of Italian sausage, garlic, oregano, and parsley for an Italian style meal that can be made in under 30 minutes. This is the type of meal that only requires a few steps, which is perfect for busy weeknights since it cuts back on the cooking time while still adding nutrition and flavor.
One of the notable flavors in this dish is an herb called marjoram. It is a Mediterranean herb that has a similar flavor to oregano, and it is a perfect pairing with the other flavors in this soup. Additionally, this recipe calls for cannellini beans (which are a great plant-based addition that provides both extra protein and fiber) and three cheese tortellini to increase the heartiness.
In addition to these nutritious (and filling) ingredients, this Sausage Tortellini Soup calls for canned tomatoes. This is a great ingredient to add to soups and stews, as they provide a depth of flavor and added nutrition. Moreover, they add great color and flavor to the dishes as well as a powerful boost of nutrition through the antioxidant called lycopene. This has powerful health benefits like preventing chronic diseases like cancer and cardiovascular disease, so grab a few cans of diced tomatoes to pop into your weeknight soups and stews!
Get the full recipe for Sausage Tortellini Soup by visiting our friends at Red Gold Tomatoes.
For other delicious soup recipes, check out some of our favorites:
Creamy Tomato Soup with Popcorn
Fideo Soup
Santa Fe Chicken Soup
by Tomato Wellness | Nov 27, 2021 | Media Recipe
Have you ever tried Huevos Rancheros? It is a Mexican breakfast recipe that consists of eggs served atop tortillas, refried beans, and salsa. While there are many different variations that exist, this one features canned tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
Between the refried beans, eggs, and olive oil, the ingredients found in this recipe make it easy for you to acquire the recommended amount of nutrients for breakfast. In fact, one of the stars in this recipe for Huevos Rancheros is the canned tomato products, as they are easy-to-use and add a juicy touch to the entire plate.
Not only do canned tomatoes taste delicious in various recipes, but they are also great for your health! The fire roasted tomatoes included in Huevos Rancheros provide a delicious, savory, sauce for the tortillas and eggs to be dipped into, while also adding anti-inflammatory properties to the meal. Lycopene (a cancer-fighting nutrient found in tomatoes) is abundant in canned tomato products. This is due to the canning process, since when tomatoes are canned, they must be cooked first. Cooking allows the lycopene to be better absorbed in the body, thus maximizing its benefits. So, what are you waiting for? Whip up this recipe for a tasty weekend brunch that will surely impress your friends and family!
Get the full recipe for Huevos Rancheros by visiting our friends at Pacific Coast Producers.
If you’re looking for other delicious breakfast recipes, check out some of our favorites:
Zesty Tomato Smoothie
Breakfast Egg Bake
Muhammara Walnut Shakshuka
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