Lycopene May Help Prevent Atherosclerosis
Low levels of the carotenoid and antioxidant
Lycopene may be linked
to early atherosclerosis, a new study reports. Lycopene is
naturally found in tomatoes and other red-hued foods.
Previous research has shown that eating lots of food rich in
lycopene may reduce the risk of certain diseases including
cancer, particularly prostate cancer.
In this study, researchers studied 520 middle-aged men and women
in southeastern Finland. They used ultrasound imaging to measure
the intima-media thickness of the carotid artery, since gradual
thickening is a marker for the progression of atherosclerosis.
On average, intima-media thickness was greater in men with low
levels of lycopene. After accounting for all other factors, low
lycopene levels were linked to a nearly 18% increase in artery
thickness. The researchers suggest that low levels of lycopene
may play a role in the development of artery disease.
Source:
Atherosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology, December
2000; 20: 2677-2681
Key concepts: lycopene, tomato, atherosclerosis
