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In initial unpublished research, evidence suggests that women consuming high levels of tomatoes and processed tomato products are less likely to suffer from breast cancer(2).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 - news) 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.
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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 

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