1.Consuming over 10 portions of tomatoes per week may decrease the risk of prostate cancer by 18%, according to a study. Prostate cancer is more common in developed countries, which is believed to be linked to a Westernized lifestyle and diet. The study evaluated the lifestyle and diets of 1,806 men with prostate cancer compared to 12,005 cancer-free men, and found that an optimal intake of calcium, selenium, and lycopene-rich foods resulted in a reduced risk of prostate cancer. Tomatoes and tomato products, such as baked beans and tomato juice, provided the most benefit due to their high levels of lycopene, an antioxidant that fights toxins that can cause cell and DNA damage.
2. Research suggests that consuming tomatoes and tomato-based products is linked to a reduced risk of stroke due to their high levels of the antioxidant lycopene. A study found that individuals with the highest blood levels of lycopene were 55% less likely to experience a stroke than those with the lowest levels. The study included 1,031 men aged 46 to 65, and those with the highest lycopene levels were 59% less likely to experience a stroke caused by blood clots compared to those with the lowest levels.
3.A study has found that a diet high in tomatoes may reduce the risk of breast cancer, particularly in postmenopausal women with a higher body mass index. The study showed that a tomato-rich diet positively impacted hormone levels involved in regulating fat and sugar metabolism. The study involved 70 postmenopausal women who consumed tomato products containing at least 25 milligrams of lycopene daily for 10 weeks. The women had higher levels of adiponectin, a hormone that regulates blood fat and sugar levels, with a 9% increase seen in those consuming a tomato-rich diet. The effect was stronger in women with lower BMIs.
4.The anti-dyslipidemic properties of a nutrient present in tomatoes have been found to potentially prevent the onset of vascular diseases, according to recent research. The compound in question, 9-oxo-octadecadienoic, was examined for its ability to address dyslipidemia, a condition caused by an irregularity in the levels of lipids in the bloodstream, which includes cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and HDL cholesterol.
Dyslipidemia is typically asymptomatic, but can lead to symptomatic vascular conditions such as arteriosclerosis and cirrhosis. To prevent these diseases, it is important to prevent lipid accumulation.
Tomatoes are known to contain various compounds that are beneficial for health. In this study, the potential anti-dyslipidemia effects of 9-oxo-octadecadienoic acid were investigated.
The compound was found to enhance fatty acid oxidation and regulate hepatic lipid metabolism, indicating that it possesses anti-dyslipidemia properties and may help prevent vascular diseases.
Identifying compounds in food products that aid in the prevention of obesity-related chronic diseases is crucial in managing such conditions. Incorporating tomatoes into one’s daily diet can help individuals combat the onset of dyslipidemia.
5.Consuming tomato paste can offer protection against sunburn and aging caused by exposure to the sun. A study conducted on 20 individuals showed that those who consumed 5 tablespoons of tomato paste with 10g of olive oil daily for 12 weeks had better protection against UV light than the group who only consumed olive oil. The skin of the tomato diet group also had higher levels of procollagen, a molecule that contributes to skin structure and elasticity. The antioxidant lycopene found in cooked tomatoes is the key ingredient that neutralizes harmful molecules caused by UV light. Tomato paste is an excellent source of lycopene, and the protection it provides is comparable to sunscreen with an SPF of 1.3.
