Can consuming more tomatoes help lower the risk of developing high blood pressure? Harvard Health reports on the study published by the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, that answers affirmatively. This study shows that a daily consumption of at least one fresh tomato per day lowers blood pressure and the risk of developing hypertension.
Study of tomatoes consumption’s effect on blood pressure: participants
This study originates from Spain, the country famous for long-standing rich culture of tomatoes. The study looked at about 7,000 people aged from 55 to 80. They were participating in the Spanish PREDIMED dietary study. About 83% of them suffered from high blood pressure. Further, all participants had at least one more cardiovascular risk factor. These included diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol, excess weight, or a family history of early-onset heart disease.
The study’s design and conclusions
Every participant filled out annual questionnaires on food consumption. They had to specify consumption of raw tomatoes, tomato sauce, and gazpacho (a Spanish tomato soup). After three years, researchers observed an association between eating more tomatoes and lower blood pressure. Specifically, the researchers also found non-hypertensive participants having eaten more than 110 grams, about one large tomato, per day, reduced their overall risk for hypertension by 36%. Those who ate less tomatoes, under 44 grams per day, reduced their risk of developing hypertension much less.
Why do tomatoes lower blood pressure: the researchers’ explanation
Researchers believe that the blood pressure lowering effect is due to high amounts of lycopene in tomatoes. Lycopene is the chemical that gives tomatoes their red color. It is a powerful antioxidant that helps against inflammation.
The study and other relevant links
Recent studies on the association between tomato consumption and blood pressure include:
- “Association between tomato consumption and blood pressure in an older population at high cardiovascular risk: observational analysis of PREDIMED trial” published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology.
- Health Benefits of Lycopene – WebMD – Discusses lycopene as a powerful antioxidant found in foods like tomatoes, watermelons, and grapefruits. It may reduce the risk of chronic illnesses by stabilizing free radicals.
- Blood Pressure-Lowering Effects of Lycopene Evaluated – NatMed Pro – reports on the the study that suggests the daily supplementation with 12 milligrams or more of lycopene may decrease blood pressure, especially in people of Asian descent or those with higher blood pressure.
