Ask the Nutritionist

Do you have questions about nutrition, health or Del Monte's family of products?

We have made it easy to submit your question. So ask away. Our staff nutritionists will respond to one question each week. Check back often and learn something new.

My sister was recently been diagnosed with Celiac Disease and was told to avoid all products containing wheat. Are your products wheat free?

First, a little background on Celiac Disease. Celiac disease is a disease that a damages the lining of the intestinal tract. People with Celiac Disease cannot tolerate gluten, a protein that is found in wheat, rye and barley. When people with Celiac Disease eat a food or consume a product that contains gluten, their immune system kicks in and destroys the lining of the intestinal tract which causes decreased absorption of all nutrients. Celiac Disease affects 1 out of every 133 people in the United States. It used to be thought of as a fairly rare disease but is becoming more common and does run in families. Individuals with a first degree relative who has been diagnosed may wish to be screened for it.

The only treatment for Celiac Disease is to follow a gluten free diet. Even a small amount of gluten can cause side effects and symptoms and should be avoided so knowing what is in the food you are eating is important. Looking for “wheat” listed in the ingredient list on the food label is a place to start, but not the only indication that a food may contain gluten. While commonly thought of foods that containing gluten are breads, pasta and crackers gluten may also be a component of some ingredients that are commonly used in some processed foods like modified food starch and some preservatives.

Del Monte maintains a list of our products that are gluten free and can be found http://www.delmonte.com/default.aspx?page=FAQs. Keep in mind that product formulations can change and it is always best to read the ingredient list on your food labels for the most current information. You can also contact us http://www.delmonte.com/default.aspx?page=FAQs if you have additional questions or need further information about our products.

This is for information purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. Individuals should always consult with their physician and registered dietitian.

More information on Celiac Disease can be found though the National Institute of Health, NIDDK website
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/celiac/index.htm

Previously Answered Questions

Can you give me some food safety tips for the summer and picnic season?

Adults and children alike often consider picnicking or outdoor grilling one of the most important rites of summer. Sharing a tasty meal outdoors with the people you care about certainly lends itself for a most enjoyable summer afternoon. But picnic and grill-lovers must be careful: during the warm, moist summer months bacteria multiply quickly, increasing the risk of food-borne illnesses. Additionally, eating outdoors limits access to food safety features that you are accustomed to in your kitchen. By taking the time to follow the general safety tips listed below, you will be able to stress less so that you can truly enjoy your summer grilling or picnic.

Preparing Food
When preparing the food, be sure to wash your hands and use clean utensils and containers. Also keep in mind that bacteria prefer foods high in protein and moisture.

Packing Food
It is important to use a clean cooler and to pack the cooler tightly with cold food and ice packs so that it retains the cold and keeps your food fresh. Wrap food separately to prevent cross-contamination and put raw meat on the bottom so that it does not drip on other food. Remember to keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot to reduce chances of bacteria.

If possible, use two different coolers, one for drinks and the other for food; the cooler containing drinks will most likely be opened more frequently, so this will further aid in keeping your food cool. Be sure to keep your cooler in the air conditioning of your car as long as possible, and when you get to the site, keep it in the shade. And lastly, don't forget to bring plenty of utensils, napkins, and hand sanitizer.

At the Site
Especially when cooking and eating outside, make sure to cook meat and poultry thoroughly to guarantee that harmful bacteria are destroyed. Always check the temperature of meat and poultry with a meat thermometer to make sure it reached the proper temperature – don't guess! Also, never partially cook food, let it sit, and then finish cooking. It is important to cook food all at one time so to avoid conditions that encourage the growth of bacteria or formation of toxins (some of which are not destroyed by cooking).

Keep food in containers as much as possible so to protect it from insects, birds, and pets which can carry bacteria. When dealing with leftovers, bear in mind that typically, many people have handled the food. Additionally, the longer food has been sitting out in the heat the more likely harmful bacteria has grown. If food has been sitting out for over two hours, throw it out.

By taking the time to follow these simple safety tips you will be well on your way to enjoying a both safe and happy picnic and grilling season!

As a man, what foods should I incorporate into my diet for long term health?

Men and women are different in lots of ways and their nutritional needs are no different. While both men and women need to monitor their calorie intake, reduce their fat intake and eat more fruits and vegetables, there are specific foods men should include in their diets for optimal long term health.

Fish
Fish is a great source of lean protein, which helps build muscle and maintain weight, as well as Omega-3 Fatty Acids — good-for-you fats that are found in fattier fish like salmon, trout and tuna. Two servings of fish a week is ideal.

Tomatoes
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, Vitamin C and Vitamin E — powerful antioxidants that that may play a role in protecting against cancer and heart disease. It seems that almost every day, more research backing the health benefits of tomatoes is discovered. Adding tomatoes and tomato products to your favorite dishes is an easy, delicious way to amp up your healthy diet.

Nuts and Seeds
They may be small, but nuts and seeds are a powerful source of nutrients that are vital to men's health — magnesium, potassium and even protein. Almonds contain Vitamin E which can help protect your heart; walnuts contain Omega-3 Fatty Acids that help protect your heart and brain; and pumpkin and sesame seeds are a good source of magnesium, which may have a role in blood pressure regulation. Don't over do it, though! Because they are a concentrated source of calories and fat, a small handful of nuts or seeds is all you need.

Green Vegetables
No, you probably aren't going to get larger muscles from eating spinach, but green leafy vegetables are great sources of antioxidants like beta carotene and lutein that help protect your eyes, especially as you age.

Citrus Fruit and Berries
Both are great sources of antioxidants and help support our immune system, protect our vision and keep our brains functioning. Throw some blueberries in your cereal or yogurt and have a cup of red grapefruit for a snack in the afternoon!

As a woman, what foods should I incorporate into my diet to promote long term health?

Women should focus on eating foods that are rich in antioxidants like vitamins A, C and E, minerals such as calcium, potassium and iron and Omega-3 fatty acids. A diet with foods that contain these nutrients will help promote overall health and help fight diseases like cancer and heart disease.

It's also important for women of all ages to maintain a healthy weight. Filling your plate with low calorie, nutrient dense foods like fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean protein will help keep your weight in check.

Here's more info on what foods are crucial for a women's diet and why:

Fruits and vegetables
The more colorful the better! Antioxidants like lycopene and beta carotene found in red and orange foods may help protect against certain cancers and promote heart health. Green foods like spinach and broccoli can help protect your eyes and are a good source of folic acid, an essential nutrient for women of childbearing age. Blue foods like blueberries could help protect your brain and white foods like onions and garlic have heart protective effects. Fruits and vegetables are also a good source of potassium which has been linked to lowered blood pressure. Add just one more serving of fruits and veggies to your diet daily — throw a bag of carrots in your lunch, mix canned tomatoes into your favorite soup or pasta dish or add canned veggies or fruit to your favorite salad.

Seafood
Low in fat and rich in protein, seafood is also loaded with nutrients vital to heart health in adults and the health and brain development of unborn babies. Selenium, B vitamins, and heart-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids are abundant in all types of seafood. Keep a pouch of tuna or salmon in your desk drawer for times when you need a quick lunch — a convenient and great-tasting addition to a simple vegetable salad!

Soy
Soy protein has been shown to help reduce the risk of heart disease. Foods like edamame, tofu and soy milk and certain protein bars are good sources.

Low Fat Yogurt, Milk and Cheese
These dairy products provide calcium and vitamin D, which is needed to absorb calcium. As most women know, these foods can help protect against osteoporosis later in life. It's important to choose low fat varieties of dairy products to keep calories and fat in check. Mix light yogurt with granola and a fruit cup for a yummy afternoon snack!

Drink tea
Hot or cold, tea is a gr?at addition to your diet because it contains flavonoids that can help strengthen your immune system. Black and green teas are best so treat yourself to a glass or two in the afternoon or after dinner.

By incorporating these foods into your diet on a daily basis, keeping your weight in a healthy range, getting plenty of rest and relaxation, and striving for 30 minutes of physical activity every day, you will be on your way to good health!

Can you tell me about some new products on the market that you recommend to you readers?

With so many great choices in today's grocery stores, it's easy to find convenient, healthy and delicious foods for the whole family. In fact, it seems that hundreds of new products pop up on grocery store shelves daily. It can be overwhelming, but adding new foods to your family's diet can keep healthy eating fun and interesting. Here are some of my favorite new products that I recommend working into your family's meals:

Del Monte Fruit Chillers^® Frozen Sorbets
The whole family will reach for these treats come dessert time — a refreshing substitute for ice cream made from real fruit. Fruit Chillers^® frozen fruit sorbets are shelf stable and can be kept in the pantry. Simply pop them in the freezer for 4-6 hours and you'll have tasty frozen treats.

Del Monte^® Harvest Selections^® Meals
Talk about convenience! Harvest Selections are a shelf stable meal that can be kept either in your cupboard at home or within easy reach in your office desk drawer. Pop them in the microwave for 90 seconds and you get a hearty and delicious meal loaded with vegetables. No more diet-dooming trips to the vending machine!

Del Monte Healthy Kids^® Fruit
With your family's hectic routine of school, work, baseball games, dance lessons and more, it can be a challenge to get all the nutrients you need to fuel a healthy lifestyle. The good news is that there are now a wide variety of foods that have added nutrients — these foods are known as fortified food products. Healthy Kids is a great example. Your kids will get tasty fruit along with important nutrients they may be missing in their diet.

What is the Just One More campaign and how can I get involved?

The Just One More for Healthy Living campaign empowers families to lead a healthier lifestyle by eating more wholesome foods and reconnecting with each other during a shared meal. Launched in 2006, Just One More for Healthy Living encourages consumers to take simple steps each day that will yield significant results towards a healthy lifestyle — by adding just one more serving of fruits, vegetables and tomatoes to your family's diet.

The pledge is about doing just a little more than you normally do — and teaching your family habits that will last a lifetime. When you take the Just One More pledge, you and your family pledge to:

Eat just one more serving of fruit and one more serving of vegetables every day;
Do one more physical activity a day.

The health benefits from fruits and vegetables are numerous. In addition to helping to prevent heart disease and cancer, they are packed full of vitamins and minerals necessary for healthy life. And who can question the benefits of more exercise — lower risk of chronic disease, better sleep, lower stress levels and lowered weight.

Through the Just One More For Healthy Living Campaign, Del Monte offers simple and easy ways to expand the weekly cooking repertoire by bringing healthful meals to the table where the family can gather and enjoy. Research indicates that children who consistently eat a healthful and balanced diet are more likely to do better in school, perform better on standardized tests and have fewer behavioral problems. Additional studies have found?that children who do not typically eat dinner with their parents are more likely to be overweight and are more likely to use illegal drugs, cigarettes and alcohol than those who eat dinner with their parents at least six times a week.

You and your family can take the Just One More for Healthy Living Pledge as an easy way to increase your energy and to get more out of life. Visit www.eatjustonemore.com to take the Just One More for Healthy Living Pledge.

What are the best heart healthy foods for my family?

For years, consumers have been told what NOT to eat for a healthier heart, but understanding what foods you should eat are just as important in the fight against heart disease. Foods rich in antioxidants like fruits and vegetables and those with Omega-3 fatty acids like seafood play a crucial role in protecting your heart and keeping it strong.

Fruits and vegetables of all kinds are good for your heart.
A recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that people who eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day have been shown to have a 20% decrease in heart disease, along with reduced risk of stroke and certain types of cancer. Fruits and veggies contain powerful antioxidants that protect your heart against oxidative damage; they contain other nutrients like magnesium and potassium that help keep blood pressure in check.

Eat a Rainbow
As a general rule, the more colorful the food, the more powerful its protective properties:

Red colored foods, like tomatoes, red peppers and red grapefruit contain antioxidants like lycopene that may help reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke and possibly cancer.
Green colored foods like spinach and asparagus contain other antioxidants like lutein and beta carotene that help maintain healthy vision along with other vitamins and minerals such as folate and magnesium that help your heart.
Orange/yellow foods like apricots, peaches and corn also contain antioxidants that protect your immune system and reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer.
Blue/purple foods like blueberries and plums may be helpful in improving your memory.
Even white foods like garlic and onions seem to contain a powerful nutrient called allicin that has been shown to protect against heart disease.

Fresh, Frozen or Canned
Every form of fruits and vegetables are healthful and important to include in your diet. Recent research from UCLA even showed that once prepared in a recipe, canned, fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables provided the same nutrients. And in some cases, like lycopene in tomatoes, the canning process makes the nutrient more available than in the fresh form.

Seafood
Fish is a source of lean protein that, in many cases, contains a heart-healthy fat known as Omega-3 fatty acids. The American Heart Association recommends that all adults eat at least two servings of fish a week to help protect against heart disease. Research has shown that people who eat fish more often have a 36% decrease in the risk of heart disease over those who rarely eat fish. In general, the fattier the fish, the more heart healthy Omega-3 fatty acids you'll find. Salmon and tuna are perfect choices for people looking to increase their fish intake. They are easy to incorporate into your diet and there are many quick ways to add just a little more — put chunk tuna fish over a healthy salad for lunch or fire up the grill and cook a few salmon steaks for an easy dinner meal. Just twice a week can help protect your family's heart.

Why is potassium so important? How much potassium is found in Del Monte fruits and vegetables?

The elect?olyte potassium is an extremely important nutrient. It helps our muscles work and maintains our body's fluid levels.

In addition, potassium has been linked to reduced blood pressure. More than one-third of adults are at risk for high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. While many people have focused on a low sodium diet as the key to fighting hypertension, experts now agree other dietary factors including potassium intake can aid those looking to keep their blood pressure in check.

Most fruits and vegetables are a good source of potassium, but eating more dark green vegetables, orange vegetables, tomato products, potatoes, citrus fruits and dry beans will help increase the amount of potassium you consume. The amount of potassium in each individual fruit or vegetable varies; below is an overview of the potassium content of some of Del Monte's fruit and vegetables:

Vegetables
Sweet Peas – 125 mg/ ½ cup
Mixed Vegetables – 140 mg/ ½ cup
Green Beans – 120 mg/ ½ cup
Whole Kernel Corn – 180 mg/ ½ cup
Creamed Corn – 140 mg/ ½ cup
Whole New Potatoes – 300 mg/ 2 potatoes
Chopped Spinach – 350 mg/ ½ cup
Carrots – 125 mg/ ½ cup

Tomatoes
Tomato Sauce – 230 mg/ ¼ cup
Stewed Tomatoes, Italian Style – 260 mg/ ½ cup
Stewed Tomatoes, Original – 300 mg/ ½ cup
Diced Tomatoes – 260 mg/ ½ cup
Diced Tomatoes with Basil, Garlic and Oregano – 325 mg/ ½ cup
Diced Tomatoes with Green Pepper and Onion – 300 mg/ ½ cup
Diced Tomatoes with Garlic and Onion – 275 mg/ ½ cup
Petite Cut Diced – 130 mg/ ½ cup

Fruit
Apricot Halves in 100% Juice – 200 mg/ ½ cup
Peach Halves in Heavy Syrup – 120 mg/ ½ cup
Chunky Mixed Fruit – 100 mg/ ½ cup
Cinnamon Peach Chunks – 120 mg/ ½ cup
Mandarin Oranges – 100 mg/ ½ cup

While most people need to eat more potassium, as recommended by the Dietary Guidelines, there are some individuals who need to limit the amount of potassium found in food. Your doctor can tell you if you need to limit the amount of potassium you eat.

What are "Superfoods"?

Superfoods are foods that contain powerful disease fighting nutrients and have significantly more of these good nutrients when compared to other foods. And although they may sound intimidating, the good news about superfoods is that you can find them on your local grocery store shelves. In fact, you may already have some in your pantry and your fridge.

Which foods contain these super nutrients? Most fruits and vegetables contain protective vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, but a few truly stand out as superfoods. And in many cases, the canned product is just as good, if not better, than the fresh version:

Tomatoes — especially canned! Tomatoes contain lycopene, an antioxidant that may help protect against cancer and heart disease. Heating the tomato through the canning process helps make this nutrient even more available for your body.
Grapefruit, Oranges and Citrus fruits — especially red grapefruit! Vitamin C and other antioxidants are found in grapefruit and help strengthen your immune system.
Spinach — in addition to being a good source of iron, calcium and B vitamins, spinach is loaded with beta carotene thought to help protect against cancer and heart disease. In addition, spinach contains an antioxidant called lutein, a nutrient that helps protect your eyes.
Corn — The antioxidant lutein is also found in corn and a study from Cornell University found higher levels in canned corn than in fresh.
Fish — F?sh, especially oily fish like salmon and tuna fish, contains Omega-3 fatty acids, fats that help protect against heart disease and cancer, help a babies brain development and eyesight, and may help protect against arthritis.

You may be wondering how the nutrients in superfoods work to your benefit. Simply put, they protect your body from the damage that free radicals can cause to your cells.

To better understand this process, imagine an iron railing that has been exposed to the elements. The rust that forms on the railing is the result of exposure to oxygen. By applying a protective coating to the railing, you block out the rust-inducing oxygen, thus safeguarding the railing from significant damage.

The nutrients in superfoods act in a similar same manner inside your body. Their powerful nutrients, or antioxidants, prevent free radicals, damaged cells that can be problematic, from assaulting your healthy cells. When your body needs to put up its best defense, antioxidants are crucial to your health.

So take a step toward healthier living by eating your fruits and vegetables every day and adding fish to your diet twice a week — you'll be on your way to getting the extra protection your body needs.

What's your take on soy protein? There are many options out on the market now, including soy milk, soy snack chips and vegetarian soy 'burgers'. These seem like healthy choices that might help balance dietary intake of carbs (as recommended by the South Beach Diet) – but are there better, more natural ways to boost protein intake?

Soy is an excellent, natural source of lean protein, B vitamins, calcium and phytonutrients called Isoflavones. Products like soy milk, tofu, soy nuts, edamame (soybeans), and soy burgers can certainly be incorporated into a low fat, healthy diet. They are good alternatives to higher fat, higher saturated fat items like whole milk dairy products and higher fat cuts of meat.

Soy foods and soy protein are thought to have a number of health benefits including protecting against heart disease, high blood pressure, certain types of cancer and bone loss. Isoflavones in soy seem to have a weak estrogen-like effect. While some scientists believe these isoflavones may be helpful in protecting against many diseases there is some concern that additional soy products may actually increase the risk of diseases like breast cancer in postmenopausal women who are at a high risk for breast cancer or who have estrogen sensitive cancers. There is little research at this point that backs either school of thought. Therefore it's best to include soy foods in your diets in moderation and avoid taking soy pills or soy supplements.

Although more research is needed to understand the role of soy in the protection against a disease, so IS a great way to vary the sources of protein in your diet. So, go ahead and add a little soy to your diet! Just go easy on soy chips and nuts — they are healthier choices, but they're still "snacks" that should make up a small part of your diet.

Are sugar-free, single-serving versions of powdered-drink products like Crystal Light® or Kool-Aid®, a good way to increase your daily intake of water?

Water is the most important nutrient in your body - 60% of our weight is made up by water- and the majority of our body's functions depend on getting enough water throughout the day. It helps carry nutrients throughout our body, cushions our organs, flushes out toxins and provides moisture to our eyes, nose, mouth and lungs. We lose fluid all day, just through our normal body functions and it needs to be replaced. When we don't drink enough water, dehydration can happen quickly. Even being slightly dehydrated can make you tired and cause headaches, fatigue and lightheadedness.

Most adults need between 8 and 11 cups of fluid a day to replace the fluid that we lose. While water is th? best source, other fluids and foods definitely provide us with additional water. Many of the sugar-free, single calorie drink powders you mentioned are a great way to increase your daily intake of water. Other fluids can also help- juice and milk are mostly water and count toward your daily fluid intake. Even coffee, tea and soda to a limited extent will help.

Remember, during the summer months you need extra water, especially when it is hot and humid. If you are exercising regularly it is also extremely important to drink water before, during and after you exercise.

To make sure you get enough water, have a glass with every meal, and keep a bottle of water at your desk and sip on it throughout the morning, and have another bottle in the afternoon.

* Crystal Light® and Kool-Aid® are trademarks of Kraft Food Holdings, Inc.

My kids are home a lot by themselves during the day. How do I encourage my children to eat healthier snacks while I'm gone?

Just because you are not home during the day doesn't mean that the children's snacking habits have to suffer. Just remember that your family will eat what is in the kitchen - so consider replacing snacks that are high in calories and fat, like ice cream and cookies, for a variety of snacks that are both healthy and delicious.

Also, consider keeping a variety of pre-cut fruits and vegetables available in the refrigerator. More and more parents are empowering their children to make smarter decisions about what they eat. Remember that involving your kids in grocery shopping and meal preparation is a wonderful way to teach them good nutrition habits that will last a lifetime.

Good luck and happy snacking!

How long can I keep my tuna salad and potato salad on the picnic table unrefrigerated?

Tuna Salad and Pasta Salad are two items that will spoil quickly if left out of the refrigerator for too long. The best rule of thumb is no longer than 2 hours in the shade. If the picnic table is in the hot sun or the temperature outside is above 85 it is best to put the salad back in the cooler right after serving or no longer than an hour.

How much Omega-3 fatty acids should you eat?

The American Heart Association recommends that Americans eat fish two times a week to get the Omega-3 fatty acids they need. Fatty fish like canned tuna and salmon are good sources of Omega-3 fatty acids. These recommendations also follow the EPA and FDA guidelines for safe fish consumption.

What's an easy way to start living a healthy life?

According to America On the Move, a national movement that encourages people to take small steps to a healthier way of life, most people can avoid the normal 1-2 pound annual weight gain by increasing daily steps by?2000 and decreasing daily calories by 100. Learn more about America On the Move at www.americaonthemove.org.

And good news if you have a pet. Getting your daily workout can be as easy as taking your dog for a walk through the neighborhood. Let your furry friend lead the way and use a pedometer to track just how many steps you are taking. Depending on your fitness level, experts suggest adding 2,000 steps daily to positively affect your weight and heath. (Source: Dr. James O. Hill, Center for Human Nutrition at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center)

Which fruits contain the most antioxidants?

All fruits contain essential vitamins and minerals; antioxidants, like Vitamins A and C, are abundant in many fruits and vegetables. Foods that are an excellent source of Vitamin A and C contain more than 20% of those vitamins.

You can look at the Nutrition Facts panel of the product label to determine how much Vitamin A and C are in various foods. Citrus fruits such as grapefruit, pineapple and oranges are an excellent source of Vitamin C, while deep yellow fruits like apricots are a good source of Vitamin A.

What is lycopene and why is lycopene so important for you?

Lycopene, a carotenoid found primarily in canned and processed tomatoes, shows promise in preventing heart disease and other types of cancer. It is the pigment that gives the brilliant red color to tomatoes, watermelon and red grapefruit. Research is beginning to show promise that lycopene benefits may have a role in preventing heart disease and certain types of cancer like prostate cancer. Canned tomatoes and tomato products are excellent sources of lycopene because the heat from cooking or canning makes the lycopene more available to your body.

How much fish should children eat in a week?

The EPA and FDA have recommended that pregnant women, women who may become pregnant and young children consume two servings of fish a week.

Why do you use High Fructose Corn Syrup in your products?

High Fructose Corn Syrup is a sweetener that is made from corn that has virtually the same sweetening power as sugar, provides the same amount of calories as table sugar and is used by our bodies just like table sugar. In the food industry, High Fructose Corn Syrup does more than just sweeten a product — it helps retain moisture and food structure. It also allows flavors to blend and increases the shelf life of a product.

What is sucralose and why do you use it?

Sucralose (Splenda^®) is made from regular table sugar, but is altered by replacing three hydrogen-oxygen groups on the sugar molecule with three chlorine atoms. Chlorine is natural and is found in many foods. It helps create a very sweet (600 times as sweet) sugar replacement that has no caloric value. That's because sucralose is not broken down for energy in your body — it is excreted without adding any calories. It has no effect on insulin levels or on blood sugar levels, so it is safe for individuals with diabetes.

Del Monte uses sucralose in select products to help consumers include fruit in their diet while watching their calorie and carbohydrate intakes.

If I drain the cans of fruit and vegetables, will it change the nutritional content much?

By draining the fruit and vegetables you will likely lose some of the sugar from the fruit and some of the salt from the vegetables. You may also lose some of the vitamin and mineral content as the food has been cooked in those liquids, but the amount would be minimal.

Is the nutritional information on your cans based on the nutritional content before or after processing?

The nutritional information on the products is based on the nutritional content after processing

Why do you only list certain nutr?ents on your products?

The Food and Drug Administration regulates nutrition labeling. The nutrients listed on all of our products are required by law to be listed.

Is there more lycopene in canned tomatoes than in fresh?

Yes. Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, is found in tomatoes, red grapefruit and watermelon. Tomatoes are the primary source of lycopene benefits in the American diet, providing more than 85% of the lycopene we eat. Canned or jarred tomatoes, as well as those found in pastes and sauces, actually have more lycopene than their fresh counterparts. When the tomato is heated — as it is in the canning process — its cells release lycopene, making the lycopene more easily absorbable for our bodies.

Is canned food as nutritious as fresh and frozen food?

The three-part study conducted by the University of Massachusetts found that recipes using canned ingredients are similar in nutritional and taste value to those made with fresh or frozen items.

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