Eating tomatoes lowers blood pressure just like drugs

It’s no news that tomatoes are one of the vegetables that contain the most beneficial nutrients. First of all, this is a great source. Vitamin Ckey antioxidant that strengthens our system immunological and promotes health wool. In addition, it contains potassiumessential mineral for maintaining water balance and function muscular corresponding. But the undisputed star of the tomato is lycopene, a powerful antioxidant responsible for its vibrant red color. Numerous studies have shown that regular consumption of lycopene is associated with a reduced risk of heart diseases and some types of cancer, especially prostate cancer.

Availability fiber Tomatoes also deserve special attention as they aid digestion and help maintain healthy levels. cholesterol. Moreover, this fruit Low calorie contentmaking it a healthy option for those who They strive to control their weight.

But that is not all. New research published in European Journal of Preventive Cardiology suggests that tomatoes may be key allies in controlling blood pressure in older adults with mild hypertensionand even reduce the risk of developing hypertension. We must not forget that hypertension is the leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease in the world.

The effect of tomatoes on blood pressure

In this study, it was observed that people who did not have high blood pressure and consumed more tomatoes or tomato-based products had a risk 36% less likely to develop hypertension compared to those who consumed fewer tomatoes.

For people with high blood pressure, especially stage 1, moderate consumption of tomatoes has been found to be associated with lower blood pressure. The study involved 7,056 people, and those who consumed more 110 grams of tomatoes per day there was a lower risk of hypertension compared to those who consumed less.

Why does blood pressure drop?

Tomatoes, although botanically a fruit, are generally classified as vegetables. Two key compounds in tomatoes. lycopene And potassiumbelieved to be responsible for its protective effect against hypertension.

Lycopene, the predominant carotenoid in tomatoes, may lower blood pressure by suppressing angiotensin converting enzyme and promote the production of nitric oxide in the endothelium (the layer that lines the inside of the arteries).

Nitric oxide acts as vasodilator, which means that it relaxes and dilates blood vessels. This helps improve blood flow, which is critical for lowering blood pressure and improving the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the body’s tissues and organs.

He potassium in tomatoes helps balance sodium levels, regulates fluid production and helps lower blood pressure.

Boiled tomatoes have more benefits

According to experts, the blood pressure benefits of tomatoes increase with their consumption. cookedsince when processing tomatoes more of it is used carotenoids How lycopene and other antioxidants such as polyphenols.

Although tomatoes are beneficial for lowering blood pressure, it is important to take precautions. For example, people taking ACE inhibitors, one of the most common medications for hypertension, should be aware of high potassium content in tomatoes. However, most modern diets already contain too much sodium and too little potassium, so eating tomatoes overall should not pose a risk.

In short, turn on tomatoes in the daily diet, raw in salads or cooked in sauces can be a tasty and healthy strategy keep blood pressure under control. If you have hypertension and are taking medications to control it, it is best to consult your doctor about any significant changes in your diet.