Dietitian Pick of the Month: Canned Tomatoes

Canned tomatoes? You are probably wondering how and why a canned vegetable would be a nutritious pick. Here is why: 

Did you know?

Canned tomato products are one of the best sources of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant

with heart-health benefits.

Canned tomatoes:

• Lycopene is thought to help keep cholesterol from becoming oxidized, which

may decrease plaque build-up in arteries.

• Lycopene may also act as an anti-inflammatory, which benefits heart health.

• Lycopene is better absorbed by the body when tomatoes are processed (canned).

• Have more potassium per calorie than a banana or orange juice.

• Are a convenient, low-cost and easy way to eat more vegetables.

Easy to Use

• Add to hot pasta or rice dishes.

• Mix into guacamole.

• Stir into soups or casseroles.

• Combine diced tomatoes with pasta salads

I made something easy and amazing with canned tomatoes. All I did was cut up a yellow and purple bell pepper (feel free to use orange or red, purple is hard to come by) and sautéed it with 1/2 sliced onion and 1 pound of your favorite chicken link sausage. Once veggies are soft, onions are carmelized and sausage is browned, add in 1 small can of tomato paste and 1 can of puréed tomatoes. 

I like to serve it by itself for a hearty meal but you could also serve it with a whole grain pasta. Dinner. Done!