LONDON, March 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Important new research being presented to
more than 100 scientists at King's College London today provides further
strong evidence that may link the consumption of processed tomatoes with the
reduction in the risk of breast cancer. Evidence is also mounting that links
diets high in processed tomatoes with reduced risk of cancer of the cervix,
prostate and colorectal cancer, and heart disease.
Tomatoes contain high levels of the antioxidant lycopene, a natural
pigment that gives tomatoes their red color. Although present in fresh
tomatoes, lycopene is much more efficiently absorbed by the body when the
tomatoes have been processed(1). Processed tomato products -- such as
ketchup, tomato soup and tomato juice -- are also rich sources of lycopene.
For example, tomato ketchup contains 12mg per 100g, compared to fresh
tomatoes, which have just 3mg per 100g.
Possible Link with Breast Cancer
In initial unpublished research, evidence suggests that women consuming
high levels of tomatoes and processed tomato products are less likely to
suffer from breast cancer(2). During the first phase of this study, the
University of Toronto has found that breast cancer patients have very low
levels of blood lycopene and high levels of oxidative damage(3). When it
enters the blood stream, lycopene has a significant effect on a process known
as "oxidative stress," a main culprit in cancer, heart disease and aging.
Beyond Prevention
Initially, studies of lycopene emphasized the link with the reduced risk
of diseases such as cancer. Though new evidence suggests that it may inhibit
or even reverse the growth of tumors(4). Lycopene is not produced by the
body, but its benefits can be obtained through the diet. Dr. Venket Rao of
the University of Toronto comments, "Ongoing research confirms the importance
of eating a lycopene-rich diet. The body more easily absorbs lycopene from
processed tomatoes so, although including a variety of fresh fruits and
vegetables is important, we should also ensure that we are eating plenty of
processed tomato products. Research indicates a daily intake of 25-30 mg of
lycopene would be beneficial."(5)
The Lycopene Project
In 1998, H. J. Heinz Company, the world's largest processor of tomatoes,
established The Lycopene Project. The global initiative is designed to
identify and disseminate research findings on the effects of lycopene. It
also promotes consumer awareness of the antioxidant through an ongoing
communication program with health professionals and the media.
The company supports a number of studies that focus on lycopene's
potential in the fight against cancers of the digestive tract, breast and
prostate gland.
About H.J. Heinz Company
With sales over US$9 billion, H.J. Heinz Company (NYSE: HNZ) is one of the
world's leading marketers of branded foods to supermarkets and away-from-home
eating establishments. Its 50 companies operate in some 200 countries,
offering more than 57 hundred varieties. Among the company's famous brands
are Heinz, StarKist, Ore-Ida, 9-Lives, Weight Watchers, Wattie's, Plasmon,
Farley's, Smart Ones, The Budget Gourmet, Linda McCartney, San Marco, Go
Ahead!, Bagel Bites, John West, Petit Navire, Skippy, Kibbles 'n Bits, Pounce,
Wagwells, Nature's Recipe, Orlando, Olivine and Pudliszki.
1. Gartner, C, Stahl W, Sies H. Lycopene is More Bioavailable from Tomato
Paste than from Fresh Tomatoes. Am Jnl of Clin. Nut., vol.66, 116-122,
July 1997
2. Rinco A, Stefani ED, Boffetta P, Deneo-Pellegrini H, Mendilaharsu M,
Leborgne F. Vegetables, fruits and related nutrients and risk of breast
cancer: A case-control study in Uruguay. Nutr and Cancer 35:111-119. 1999
3. Rao AV. Unpublished
4. Kucuk O, Sakr FH, Djuric Z, Li YW, Velazquez F, Banerjee M., Bertram
JS, Crissman JD, Wood DP. Lycopene supplementation in men with prostate cancer
(Pca) reduces grade and preneoplasia (PIN) and tumor decreases serum prostate
specific antigen and modulates biomarkers of growth and differentiation. Intl
Conf Diet Prev Cancer, Tampere, Finland P1.13. 1999.
5. Rao AV, Agarwal S. Bioavailability and in vivo antioxidant properties
of lycopene from tomato products and their possible role in the prevention of
cancer. Nutr and Cancer 31: 199-203. 1998
SOURCE H. J. Heinz Company
 back to top
Company News On-Call:
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/575757.html or fax,
800-758-5804, ext. 575757
CONTACT:
Cristina Sotelino of Jack Horner
Communications, 412-473-3424, or cristins@jackhorner.com, for H.
J. Heinz, or Rob Bryant or Louise Stone of Holmes & Marchant
Counsel, 011 020 7402 2272, or lycopene.project@hmcounsel.com
|
