Tomatoes good for heart health
31 Jul 2014
New research suggests that a daily dose of tomato sauce could improve the function of blood vessels in people suffering with heart disease.
The study by the University of Cambridge together with the Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, found that the powerful antioxidant in tomatoes is 10 times more potent than vitamin E and the key ingredient, lycopene, is enhanced when consumed pureed in ketchup or olive oil.
Those taking part in the trial were given a pill every day for two months. The 36 people involved who already had heart disease, saw their blood vessels widen by 53 per cent. The pill had no affect on volunteers with healthy blood vessels.
The pill, while no substitute for other treatments, may provide added benefits to patients when taken alongside other medication.
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