Research has confirmed that lycopene, the carotenoid that makes tomatoes red, lowers the risk of hardening of the arteries.
A review of research from Tufts University has found that lycopene from tomatoes can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. The researchers found that increased lycopene consumption reduced the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The researchers conducted an 11 year study and followed 314 people with cardiovascular disease, 171 with coronary heart disease and 99 people who had suffered a stroke.
The researchers found that overall, increased lycopene consumption decreased the risk of cardiovascular events by 26%.
Other studies have shown that lycopene reduces hardening of the arteries - or atherosclerosis.
In one of these - a study from researchers at the San Camillo de Lellis Hospital Cardiology Unit in Foggia, Italy - researchers used ultrasonic testing and blood tests to determine that those with higher blood levels of lycopene have significantly reduced incidence of atherosclerosis in the carotid artery.The study examined 120 human subjects. After complete physical exams and blood testing, ultrasonic testing determined their level of thickening of the artery walls in the carotid artery. The carotid artery travels from the heart to the brain. A hardening of that artery can lead to reduced blood flow to the brain, along with stroke and heart attack.
The analysis found that 58 of the subjects had progressive carotid atherosclerosis. Those with carotid atherosclerosis had higher concentrations of triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, and total cholesterol in their bloodstreams. They also had lower levels of lycopene.
The researchers concluded:
“These data suggest that higher serum levels of lycopene may play a protective role versus cardiovascular diseases, in particular carotid atherosclerosis.”
This study confirms mounting evidence for lycopene as a potent antioxidant. Antioxidants reduce the hardening of the arteries because they neutralize lipid oxidizing radicals that harm the cells of artery walls.
Other research has estimated that tomatoes can contain some 10,000 biochemicals - many of which are medicinal.
REFERENCES:
Jacques PF, Lyass A, Massaro JM, Vasan RS, D'Agostino RB Sr. Relationship of lycopene intake and consumption of tomato products to incident CVD. Br J Nutr. 2013 Aug 28;110(3):545-51. doi: 10.1017/S0007114512005417.
Riccioni G, Scotti L, Di Ilio E, Bucciarelli V, Ballone E, De Girolamo M, D' Orazio N, Martini F, Aceto A, Bucciarelli T. Lycopene and preclinical carotid atherosclerosis. J Biol Regul Homeost Agents. 2011 Jul-Sep;25(3):435-41.
Photo by Andrew Kazmierski