May 25, 2011 – Lycopene in tomatoes is believed to lower “bad” cholesterol levels as effectively as drugs. This is what a meta-analysis suggests1 Australian who compiled the results of 12 studies involving nearly 700 people.
The analysis reveals that the consumption of 25 mg per day of lycopene, a pigment of the carotene family, would lower the level of “bad” cholesterol (LDL) by about 10%, or as much as the one gets by taking cholesterol-lowering drugs like statins, according to authors from the University of Adelaide.
Lycopene would also reduce the blood pressure of hypertensive people (about 10 mmHg).
According to Karin Ried, lead author of the study, the most convenient way to get 25 mg of lycopene is to use 50 g of tomato paste in pasta, soup or on pizza every day. Another option: drink 500 ml of tomato juice, or eat a large fruit salad containing watermelon, papaya or guava, also rich in lycopene and less acidic than tomatoes. “To reach the daily dose that is beneficial for the cardiovascular system, we can also consume supplements based on natural lycopene,” she explains.
Focus on variety
Nutritionist Hélène Baribeau is less convinced, however. “Taking such amounts of tomato products every day can get boring quickly, and tomatoes are contraindicated for people with gastroesophageal reflux disease. I would rather suggest that a person with too high bad cholesterol levels take a variety of foods that have cholesterol-lowering effects (olive oil, legumes, garlic, tomatoes, nuts, etc.) rather than just one. large quantity “.
A powerful antioxidant, lycopene also protects the skin against the sun and helps prevent prostate cancer.
Celia Chabout– PasseportSanté.net
1. Ried K, Fakler P. Protective effect of lycopene on serum cholesterol and blood pressure: Meta-analyzes of intervention trials, Maturitas. 2011 Apr; 68 (4): 299-310.
