Tomatoes Offer Numerous Cardiovascular Benefits, Studies Show

U.S. research sponsored by ConAgra Foods, Inc., looked at multiple studies and found that tomatoes offer numerous cardiovascular benefits that qualify them to be of a heart-healthy diet. The researchers found, for example, that in one study people with high blood pressure who consumed two servings of canned tomato products daily experienced a significant decrease in blood pressure. Tomatoes contain high levels of carotenoid antioxidants such as lycopene, but are also a source of vitamin C, fiber and potassium. According to ConAgra, tomatoes account for 85 percent of the lycopene consumed in the U.S. One study the researchers analyzed found that lycopene absorption is two to three times greater in canned tomato products than raw tomatoes.