Tristate Cardiovascular Associates
According to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), Nigeria is the 13th largest producer of tomato in the world and the second after Egypt in Africa. With the vast amount of tomatoes available around us, what may we be missing if when we don’t eat them?
In addition to being cancer-protective, there’s ample evidence that tomatoes play a role in reducing the risk of a cardiovascular disease.
Tomatoes are a rich source of lycopene, beta-carotene, potassium, vitamin C, flavonoids, and vitamin E.
Research suggests that the combination of nutrients in tomatoes may help prevent cardiovascular disease. Tomatoes are also a good source of niacin, vitamin B6, and folate—a great heart-healthy combination of nutrients.
Potassium-rich foods play a positive role in cardiovascular health, being especially effective in helping to achieve optimal blood pressure.
Niacin is commonly used to lower elevated blood cholesterol levels. The combination of vitamin B6 and folate effectively reduces levels of homocysteine in the blood.
Elevated levels of homocysteine are associated with a higher risk of heart disease.
Other cardioprotective functions provided by the nutrients in tomatoes may include the reduction of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, platelet aggregation, and blood pressure.
Because tomatoes include several nutrients associated with theoretical or proven effects and are widely consumed year round, they may be considered a valuable component of a cardioprotective diet.
Regular consumption of tomatoes is known to reduce the risk of heart diseases. Vitamin K present in tomatoes helps to prevent occurrences of hemorrhages.
Enjoy your tomato meals! Add fresh, juicy raw tomatoes to your salad, diced or unsulphured sun-dried tomatoes to soups, and enjoy homemade tomato sauces and soups. Be mindful of the sodium (salt) content of your sauce, ketchup and other tomato products – choose the low sodium or no salt added versions.
Also keep in mind that carotenoids are absorbed best when accompanied by healthy fats – for example, in a salad with a seed or nut-based dressing. Lycopene is also more absorbable when tomatoes are cooked, so enjoy a variety of both raw and cooked tomatoes in your daily diet.
It is important to note that there is no single food or supplement or miracle product that protects the heart against heart disease in the absence of ongoing regular lifestyle improvements (daily exercise, healthy overall diet and habits, smoking cessation, stress management and maintaining a healthy weight).
info@tristatecardiovascular.com Tristate Heart & Vascular Centre Babcock University Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State
No comments:
Post a Comment