By Vanessa Richins

Last summer, headlines everywhere blazed about a salmonella scare that was supposedly connected to tomatoes.

Many stores and restaurants stopped carrying our favorite fruit for a while, severely hurting the tomato industry.

As Michelle Fabio pointed out here last year, ” a report from the University of Georgia estimates that the salmonella scare of this past summer cost Georgia’s economy approximately $25.7 million—and that is just one state.”

Later, the FDA changed their position and said the outbreak was actually caused by jalapeño peppers.

However, this doesn’t mean that Read the rest of this entry »

Article By Vanessa Richins
Photo By ChiotsRun.com

Yes, tomatoes are spectacular indeed.

In addition to all the other health benefits they provide, a new study suggests that tomatoes could be a weight loss weapon.

It’s no secret that tomatoes should be part of a healthy diet already.

They’re full of vitamins, mineral, fiber and antioxidants. Tomatoes (especially when cooked) are a key source of lycopene, an antioxidant that has been shown to fight a number of health conditions. Tomatoes are also low in calories, a plus for any dieter.

However, the tomato may be poised to become a star in the weight loss world.

In this study, subjects were Read the rest of this entry »

By Vanessa Richins

One complaint from people about why they don’t eat healthier is that it’s cheaper to eat convenience and fast foods.

Depending on your area, this may be true on the surface.

However, over a lifetime, choosing fresh foods and their derivatives will likely be much cheaper.

One example comes from the recent debut of a new dietary supplement. These pills contain a concentrated dose of the superstar lycopene. As we’ve chronicled here before, lycopene has many health benefits, including fighting cancer, wrinkles, Read the rest of this entry »

By Michelle Fabio

Plant & Food Research, along with Lincoln University, is claiming that tomato sauce may actually be better than raw tomatoes if you want to add more lycopene to your diet.

The research suggests that lycopene is reduced only in small amounts when tomatoes are eaten raw, but processed tomatoes may actually make the lycopene easier to absorb and digest.

Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant found naturally in tomatoes and other red-colored fruits and vegetables that reduces the amount of damage done to body cells by oxygen; it is believed to help prevent cancers, heart disease, and other illnesses.

Read the whole story: Forget tomatoes, try tomato sauce.

By Michelle Fabio

In honor of Heart-Healthy Awareness Month in February, Dei Fratelli is reminding its customers that many of its tomato products have no salt added, making them as heart healthy as possible.

Dei Fratelli tomato products that contain less than 20 milligrams of sodium per serving include:
• Crushed Tomatoes
• Crushed Tomatoes with Basil & Herbs
• Tomato Puree
• Whole Tomatoes
• Whole Tomatoes in Puree

Another heart smart option from Dei Fratelli is its Low Sodium Diced Tomatoes.

“We have heard from our consumers that making sure they Read the rest of this entry »

By Vanessa Richins

I am beginning to wonder if there is anything lycopene CAN’T do.

A new study suggests that it can help reduce the damage done by endometriosis.

Endometriosis is a condition in females where uterine cells wander to other locations in the pelvis and attach there.

The result are adhesions (scars), inflammation and pain. It can negatively affect fertility as well.

Now, a study presented at the American Society of Reproductive Medicine conference in San Francisco showed that Read the rest of this entry »