Tomato ingredient lycopene lowers cholesterol and blood pressure
27 May 2011
High consumption of lycopene, a substance found in tomatoes and other red fruits, can lower cholesterol and reduce blood pressure, a meta-analysis shows.
The study, conducted by general practice academics from the University of Adelaide, included 12 trials and was published in the journal Maturitas (2011; 68: 299-310).
The researchers found that high-dose lycopene (25 or more milligrams per day) - but not low-dose - reduced total cholesterol and was superior to placebo (dummy treatment) in lowering systolic blood pressure.
The equivalent of 300 millilitres of tomato juice daily could reduce LDL (so-called 'bad' cholesterol) by 10 per cent. This is "comparable to the effect of low-dose statins" - the medicines commonly taken to lower blood cholesterol.
Last Reviewed: 27 May 2011
- 1. Ried K, Fakler P. Protective effect of lycopene on serum cholesterol and blood pressure: Meta-analyses of intervention trials. Maturitas 2011; 68: 299-310. Epub 2010 Dec 15. http://www.maturitas.org/article/S0378-5122%2810%2900446-9 (accessed May 2011).
