Secret to Heart Health in Italy

If you are a fan of pasta, you are likely familiar with the joy of enjoying homemade marinara sauce on fresh pasta and authentic Italian pizza. For many years, scientists have acknowledged the health benefits of these delicious dishes, thanks to a natural compound present in tomatoes called lycopene. Lycopene is a carotenoid antioxidant pigment that is abundant in tomatoes, giving them their bright red color.

New research indicates that lycopene offers a range of health benefits, such as improving cardiovascular health, easing asthma symptoms, enhancing mood, strengthening bones, and more.

Overview

A series of studies have highlighted the positive impact of lycopene on heart health and blood vessels. Particularly, a study from the University of Cambridge has shown that daily supplementation with lycopene extract enhances blood vessel function in individuals with heart conditions. This improvement is essential for regulating blood flow and blood pressure.

The study suggests that lycopene improves endothelium function in cardiovascular patients, as stated by researcher Joseph Cheriyan, MD. Moreover, other research indicates that lycopene might lower the risk of strokes.

For example, a long-term study conducted in Finland found that men with higher lycopene levels in their blood had a significantly reduced risk of suffering a stroke. In contrast, levels of other carotenoids like alpha-carotene and beta-carotene did not affect stroke risk.

Lycopene Provides Additional Health Benefits

Aside from cardiovascular benefits, lycopene has been shown to offer various advantages for overall health, including:

• Preventing prostate cancer: Studies suggest that lycopene may defend against prostate cancer by inhibiting cancer cell growth in human prostate cells.
• Improving gum health: Research indicates that consuming lycopene can help treat gingivitis, a gum condition characterized by irritation and swelling.
• Alleviating asthma attacks: Tomato extract rich in lycopene may assist in reducing inflammation in the respiratory tract, potentially benefiting individuals with asthma.
• Supporting bone health in women: Lycopene has been found to influence bone cell activity, potentially decreasing bone loss in postmenopausal women.
• Enhancing mental health: Lower levels of lycopene have been linked to mental health issues, while consuming lycopene and other carotenoids may enhance mental well-being.

My Conclusion

If you are considering lycopene supplements, most studies recommend a daily intake of seven to eight mg through capsules. However, incorporating lycopene-rich foods like tomatoes, watermelon, and grapefruit into your diet can also offer health benefits. Cooking tomatoes can increase lycopene absorption, making dishes such as marinara sauce a tasty and nutritious choice for overall well-being.