A high consumption of tomatoes and tomato products leads to a 36% lower risk of hypertension.
A study shows that regular consumption of tomatoes helps the elderly to better control their blood pressure, as well as being useful in preventing hypertension.
The work showed that healthy individuals who consumed large quantities of tomatoes and their derivatives had a 36% lower risk of suffering from hypertension compared to those who ate less of this food.
Furthermore, in people who already had early-stage hypertension, tomato consumption was associated with better blood pressure control.
Study with more than 7,000 people
The study involved more than 7,000 participants, of whom 82.5% suffered from hypertension. They were asked what their daily consumption of tomatoes was and were divided into four categories: 1) less than 44 g per day; 2) from 44 to 82 grams per day; 3) from 82 to 110 grams per day; and 4) more than 110 grams per day.
The study authors observed a drop in diastolic blood pressure in individuals who consumed intermediate or higher amounts of tomatoes. Participants with early-stage hypertension and intermediate tomato consumption showed a drop in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Diastolic pressure reflects the pressure in the arteries when the heart relaxes, while systolic pressure, the higher value, expresses the contracting movement of this vital organ.
The results were published in the journal European Journal of Preventive Cardiology.
Tomato is rich in lycopene and potassium
Tomatoes are fruits of the pepper and aubergine families. The main compounds present in foods associated with improving blood pressure are potassium (a mineral) and lycopene (a carotenoid with antioxidant action).
According to one of the authors of the study, Rosa Maria Lamuela-Raventós, of the University of Barcelona, lycopene reduces the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and its expression, which can narrow blood vessels and cause an increase of blood pressure. This is the mechanism of one of the major classes of hypertension drugs, ACE inhibitors.
Additionally, lycopene promotes the generation of nitric oxide in the endothelium, the layer that lines blood vessels, which improves circulation. And the potassium in tomatoes helps regulate sodium levels in the body, which also helps keep blood pressure at healthy levels.
Enjoy the sauce
Although the current study did not focus on how tomatoes are consumed, the author believes that cooking helps the concentration of lycopene and other antioxidants.
But this fruit can be consumed in different ways, and can be part of food plans such as the Mediterranean diet and other interesting approaches for those who want to take care of their cardiovascular health.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
