Tomatoes and tomato products

Plant chemicals found in tomatoes and tomato-based products may be especially beneficial for preventing the development of atherosclerosis. For instance, the carotenoid component lycopene found in tomatoes may offer remarkable medical benefits.

Consuming lycopene-rich tomato products may help lower inflammation, increase HDL (good) cholesterol, and lower the risk of heart disease, according to studies. Interestingly, combining cooked tomato with olive oil may be the best defense against clogged arteries. When compared to raw tomatoes and plain tomato sauce, consuming tomato sauce with olive oil had the best impact on reducing adhesion molecules and inflammatory proteins, according to one study involving 40 people. But all tomato-based recipes increased HDL (good) cholesterol and decreased total cholesterol.