The Tomato Foundation

Research on diet and health

The Tomato Foundation is a nonprofit organization that funds research to prevent and reverse diseases associated with diet. Its work focuses on lifestyle medicine and promoting plant-based eating.

Origins and background

The foundation was established on October 11, 2011, as the successor to LYCOCARD, a European research project carried out from 2006 to 2011 under the EU's Sixth Framework Programme (FP6). LYCOCARD studied the relationship between lycopene—the most bioavailable carotenoid in processed tomato products—and reduced cardiovascular risk. The foundation later expanded its research to other bioactive compounds found in tomatoes.

Research and programs

• ProFlow project
• Panacea project
• Mud Kitchens project
• Research on lifestyle medicine and prescribing healthy habits
• Open-access dietary resources for lifestyle medicine professionals and their patients

Research approach and partnerships

The foundation maintains that peer-reviewed research and qualified health claims are essential to helping consumers make informed health decisions. It works with parts of the food industry, including olive oil, whole grains, and fresh and processed tomatoes, while stating that it retains executive control over all aspects of its research without outside influence.

Registration

The foundation is registered with the Directorate General for Legal Affairs and Legal Entities of the Government of Catalonia's Department of Justice under identification code 2874 and tax ID G 65680175.