A recent study published in the journal Food & Function (F&F) indicates that daily consumption of lycopene-rich tomato juice can enhance the function of the inner lining of blood vessels (endothelium) in healthy adults with borderline cardiovascular indicators.
Study Methodology
The randomized, double-blind study involved 72 participants aged 40 to 64. They were divided into three groups: one received a placebo (juice with minimal lycopene), another consumed juice with 15 milligrams of lycopene daily, and the third group drank juice with 26.7 milligrams of lycopene per day. The intervention lasted 12 weeks, and endothelial function was assessed using flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the arteries.
Key Findings
By the end of the 12-week study, FMD values significantly improved in both tomato juice groups (6.1% and 7.0%, respectively, compared to 5.4% in the placebo group). Notably, with the higher lycopene dose, a positive effect was observed as early as four weeks. Although blood lycopene levels increased in participants, markers of oxidative stress and nitrogen compounds did not change substantially, suggesting that the precise mechanism behind these improvements remains unclear.
Important Considerations
It is crucial to note that this study involved initially healthy individuals with borderline FMD values, meaning its findings cannot be directly extrapolated to patients with diagnosed cardiovascular diseases. Nevertheless, the results strongly support the idea that regular consumption of tomatoes can have a beneficial impact on blood vessel health.
In related research, scientists previously found that daily intake of pomegranate extract can increase levels of a “youth hormone” in elderly individuals.
