Heinz to promote lycopene benefits

Making the most of the latest research on lycopene, H.J. Heinz is to discuss the health benefits of the tomato-derived nutrient at this month's American Dietetic Association conference and expo in San Antonio, Texas.

Over the past few years evidence has emerged indicating that the consumption of lycopene - an antioxidant that gives tomatoes their red color - may help reduce the risk of prostate and cervical cancer and other diseases.

These studies have sparked a great interest in tomatoes and processed tomato products and have consumers looking for ways to incorporate the antioxidant into their diets.

According to Heinz, a recent survey showed that the public's awareness of functional foods and the benefits of lycopene in a healthy diet are higher than ever before. Five years ago an initial survey asked consumers if they had ever heard of lycopene. Only 6.5 per cent of participants responded positively. The 2003 survey results show that 37.3 per cent of people asked had heard of the antioxidant - a dramatic increase. The survey results are to be further discussed at the conference.

Heinz claims that one of the biggest sources of lycopene in the North American diet are processed tomato products like its Heinz Tomato Ketchup.

Israeli firm LycoRed​ recently received a patent for its lycopene vitamin E and beta carotene tomato complex, Lyc-O-Mato, for use in halting the progression of atherosclerosis. The company claims that combining these nutrients is far more effective than consuming any one of them on its own and previous studies have also shown Lyc-O-Mato to support prostate, skin and geneal heart health.

With companies such as Heinz​ already making the most of the research on the benefits of lycopene, could Lycored's claims pave the way for a range of vitamin-enriched tomato-based sauces and foods in the future?

The ADA conference runs from October 26-28 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.