News: Tomatoes linked to lower stroke risk
Updated: Oct. 09, 2012
If you’re feeling guilty about your propensity for late-night pizza benders, a new study will clear your conscience. The study,
If you’re feeling guilty about your propensity for late-night pizza benders, a new study will clear your conscience.
The study, published in the journal Neurology, found that men with the highest levels of lycopene (found in tomatoes) had a significantly reduced risk of stroke.
Luckily for lovers of Italian cuisine, lycopene levels are highest in cooked tomatoes‘which means the marinara sauce that covers your pizza and pasta could be what reduces your stroke risk.
This isn’t the first time lycopene has been praised for its health benefits. A 2012 study in the journal Oncology, found that lycopene can protect against prostate cancer, due to its potent antioxidant properties. Another study showed that lycopene can reduce total cholesterol levels.
Don’t like tomatoes?
Watermelon is also loaded with lycopene.
Personally, this news couldn’t come at a better time for me. I’m using it as an excuse to eat as much pasta and pizza as possible on my upcoming trip to Italy. You know’for my health.
Do you eat a lot of tomatoes? Will you be upping your intake after reading this study?
-Katharine Watts, Associate Web Editor
Related:
‘ 5 reasons to eat more tomatoes
‘ Foods that fight prostate cancer
‘ The 5 best foods for men
