Experts suggest that a morning glass of tomato juice might be just the trick for tackling high cholesterol and could be a buffer against other chronic ailments thanks to its powerful key ingredient.
This choice of beverage might not be everyone’s go-to, especially when contrasted with more widely-favoured fruit juices such as orange or apple. However, the unique tang of tomato juice could well pay off in dividends for heart health.
University of Illinois experts tout this “health hero” drink, attributing its potent benefits to high levels of lycopene. This not only grants tomatoes their vibrant red hue but also acts as a formidable antioxidant shielding cells from harm.
These volatile molecules, known colloquially as free radicals, are implicated in ageing and various health complications, suggesting that a diet rich in lycopene-containing foods could provide some defence. An imbalance where free radicals outpace the body’s antioxidants creates oxidative stress, a condition connected to numerous chronic diseases and ageing signs, reports the Mirror.
Dr. Edward Giovannucci, a professor of nutrition and epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health, has said: “The shape of the lycopene molecule makes it very effective in being able to quench free radicals. We don’t really understand it entirely yet, but lycopene may have specific properties that protect the cell in a way other antioxidants may not.”
This cellular protection extends beyond just warding off signs of ageing; it could also be crucial in diminishing inflammation and consequently reducing high cholesterol. A study from 2014 delved into the impact of drinking tomato juice on individuals with high cholesterol levels and inflammation.
The findings revealed that participants who consumed tomato juice at least four times a week over a two-month period showed a decrease in LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, and some even noted a “slight increase in HDL” – the beneficial type of cholesterol.
As per the NHS website, having high cholesterol can result in blocked blood vessels, elevating the risk of heart complications or a stroke. There are various reasons for high cholesterol, varying from genetics to lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise habits, weight, smoking, and alcohol consumption.
To complement any medications, modifying one’s diet plays a significant role in naturally lowering harmful cholesterol levels. To discover how to achieve this, the NHS provides advice on its website here.
This article is not intended to contradict medical advice. Always heed your doctor’s guidance and ensure any significant changes have been thoroughly discussed beforehand to prevent serious complications.