Researchers found that non-toxic levels of alpha-tomatine significantly suppressed adhesion, invasion, migration, and metastasis of cancerous cells. A connection between lycopene’s antioxidant properties and bone health has been documented as well.
You see, Tomatoes are a significant source of a plant compound called lycopene, which reduces levels of LDL cholesterol. Research shows that the body absorbs more lycopene if the tomatoes are processed or cooked, so drink tomato juice and add tomatoes to your minestrone soup as well.
One of the next things we wanted the answer to was, does tomato lycopene regulate cholesterol metabolism?
Here is what our research found. background/aims: Increased ingestion of tomato, containing lycopene, has been associated with a decreased risk for atherosclerosis, although the exact molecular mechanism is still unknown. Here we review the available evidence for a direct regulation of tomato lycopene on cholesterol metabolism using results from experimental and human studies.
Can certain foods help lower cholesterol?
However, vegetables and nuts contain low levels of sterols and stanols that cannot lower cholesterol . Companies are adding these chemicals to several foods and drinks, including fortified yogurt drinks, milk, and fruit juices. The FDA state that most people should try to consume 1.3 g or more of sterols and 3.4 g of stanols per day.
Tomatoes: Tomatoes are considered a good part of any healthy diet and they are chock full of lycopene. Studies have shown that the phenols in tomatoes can help raise good cholesterol and reduce triglycerides when consumed regularly.
Can Tomatoes lower triglyceride levels?
Fifty volunteers (34 women and 16 men) ate tomatoes 300g daily and 48 volunteers (32 women and 16 men) continued their regular diet without eating tomatoes for a month. Results: In the regular diet group, there were no changes in the lipid profile: triglyceride level ( 169.6+/-156.8 vs. 147.6+/-93.4mg/dl; P=0.33),.
The most frequent answer is; high dietary intakes of tomato products are often associated with a reduced risk of CVD , but the atheroprotective mechanisms have not been established. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of increased dietary intake of tomato products on plasma lipids and LDL oxidation.
Are tomatoes good for Your Heart?
Tomatoes are best-known for two things : their essential role in many delectable Italian dishes and their especially high content of the powerful antioxidant lycopene, which researchers believe offers cancer protection. But can tomatoes also benefit the heart?
Are tomatoes good or bad for You?
Tomatoes are rich in a compound called lycopene, which may improve lipid levels and reduce “bad” LDL cholesterol. In addition, research suggests processing tomatoes into juice increases their lycopene content.