Cardiovascular health benefits of tomatoes.
2008
Duttaroy, A. K.
Emerging epidemiological and intervention data support the connection between increased tomato consumption and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Tomato contains several anti-oxidants including lycopene, polyphenols, trace elements and vitamins, and these are known to inhibit atherosclerotic processes. Recent studies have demonstrated that tomato also contains several potent antiplatelet compounds. The ingestion of these tomato components significantly affects ex <i>vivo</i> platelet function when supplemented in human volunteers. The reported cardioprotective effects of tomatoes are therefore also potentially linked to a modulation of platelet function. Platelet aggregation is a central mechanism in the pathogenesis of acute coronary syndromes, including myocardial infarction and unstable angina. Since tomato may reduce both platelet hyperactivity and atherosclerosis process, it makes an ideal food for the cardiovascular system. This review primarily addresses the recently discovered antiplatelet factors in tomatoes and their possible role in the maintenance of the cardiovascular health.
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