A study has found that eating just one tomato a day can significantly reduce the risk of high blood pressure.

According to a research team from the University of Barcelona in Spain, an analysis of the relationship between tomato consumption and blood pressure in 7,056 Spanish adults aged 55 to 80 over the past three years revealed these findings. Among the participants, 5,821 (82.5%) were diagnosed with hypertension.

The researchers categorized participants into four groups based on their daily tomato intake:

• Low (less than 44g)

• Moderate (44–82g)

• Above moderate (82–110g)

• High (more than 110g)

Participants also completed surveys about their dietary habits, lifestyle, and overall health.

A 110g serving of tomatoes is roughly equivalent to one large tomato, a handful of cherry tomatoes, or a quarter of a canned diced tomato portion. The study considered various forms of tomato consumption, including raw tomatoes, tomato sauce, and gazpacho (a cold tomato soup).

The findings showed that participants who consumed at least 110g of tomatoes per day had a 36% lower risk of hypertension compared to those in the lowest intake group. Even among those already diagnosed with high blood pressure, consuming 44–82g of tomatoes daily was found to help lower blood pressure.

According to the researchers, tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, and potassium, which helps relax blood vessels. Their study suggests that consuming a moderate amount of tomatoes can aid in improving hypertension and reducing blood pressure in those already diagnosed with the condition.

However, the study found no significant blood pressure-lowering effects in participants with extremely high blood pressure. The researchers attributed this to factors such as age-related influences and higher risks of other cardiovascular diseases.

A research team member emphasized, "For hypertensive patients, dietary adjustments should be a priority before considering medication. Tomato consumption can be an essential factor in lowering blood pressure."

The study was published in the latest issue of the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology.

Source: 한국경제(https://www.hankyung.com/)

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