Tomato Extract for Healthier Arteries?

A compound found in tomatoes may help fend off vascular diseases, according to a laboratory study^[1] recently published in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research. In tests on mice, scientists found that a substance called 9-oxo-octadecadienoic could combat dyslipidemia (a condition caused by abnormal buildup of cholesterol^[2] and/or fat in the bloodstream). By stopping dyslipidemia from setting in, the study’s authors note, it may be possible to prevent vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis^[3] (also known as hardening of the arteries).

Past studies show that other substances in tomatoes might help protect against atherosclerosis. Lycopene^[4], for instance, may reduce the buildup of plaque in the arteries. An antioxidant also found in watermelon and pink grapefruit, lycopene has been found to fight prostate cancer^[5] and enhance lung health as well.

For more help in preventing atherosclerosis, it’s important to avoid or manage risk factors like high cholesterol, high blood pressure^[6], obesity^[7], heavy alcohol use, and smoking^[8].

References^{^} study (onlinelibrary.wiley.com)^{^} cholesterol (altmedicine.about.com)^{^} atherosclerosis (altmedicine.about.com)^{^} Lycopene (altmedicine.about.com)^{^} prostate cancer (altmedicine.about.com)^{^} high blood pressure (altmedicine.about.com)^{^} obesity (altmedicine.about.com)^{^} smoking (altmedicine.about.com)