Is raw tomato good for the heart?

Tomatoes and Heart Health Tomatoes have two key nutrients that have a big impact on heart health: lycopene and potassium. Lycopene is a chemical that gives a tomato its red color and is also a powerful antioxidant, a type of substance that helps keep cells from becoming damaged.

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Can a tomato a day keep the doctor away?

Tomatoes play a big role in many heart-healthy recipes, and these rosy-hued veggies can do much more than brighten ordinary salads and pasta dishes. Tomatoes are packed with nutrients that can help lower your risk of heart disease. Find out about the link between tomatoes and heart health, and learn new ways to mix these power-packed vegetables into the dishes you love. Never Miss a Beat! Subscribe to Our HealthBeat Newsletter! (Tap to Join!) (Click to Join!) Enter your email to subscribe Continue I understand that by providing my email address, I agree to receive emails from UPMC. I understand that I may opt out of receiving such communications at any time. Thank you for subscribing! Sorry, an error occurred. Please try again later. Get Healthy Tips Sent to Your Phone! Enter your mobile phone number Text Me Message and data rates may apply. Text the word STOP to opt out and HELP for help. Click here to view the privacy and terms.

Health Benefits of Tomatoes

Scientifically speaking, a tomato is a fruit, but most people consider them vegetables because of their taste and the way in which they’re used in cooking. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which issues Dietary Guidelines for Americans, includes tomatoes in the red-orange vegetable group. Tomatoes are low in calories, high in fiber, and have many nutrients that are good for your overall health, including:

Lycopene

Folate

Potassium

Vitamins A, B, C, and E

And, when processed with certain types of healthy oils, the lycopene in tomatoes actually gets easier for your body to absorb, so you don’t lose out on nutrients by eating tomato paste or sauce.

Tomatoes and Heart Health

Tomatoes have two key nutrients that have a big impact on heart health: lycopene and potassium. Lycopene is a chemical that gives a tomato its red color and is also a powerful antioxidant, a type of substance that helps keep cells from becoming damaged. Some research shows that lycopene may lower LDL, or “bad” cholesterol, and keep blood from clotting, which lowers stroke risk. Potassium is a mineral that can help lower blood pressure by taking some of the sodium out of your body, and by relaxing the walls of your blood vessels.

Getting More Tomatoes in Your Diet

Here are some creative ways to get more tomatoes into your diet and to help lower your risk of heart disease:

Drink low-sodium tomato juice.

Pick cherry or grape tomatoes for a healthy snack.

Mix diced tomatoes into your favorite pasta sauce.

Cook with tomato paste to add more flavor – and nutrients – to sauces. Choose different kinds of tomatoes to mix into salads for new flavors and textures. Visit the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute or call 1-855-UPMC-HVI (876-2484) to learn more.

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