Blisstree » lycopene

Tomato extract “Lyc-O-Mato” May Help to Control Hypertension in Humans

ruth — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:10:27 +0000

High blood pressure, which often remains unnoticed by those affected, is crucial for the development of cardiovascular disease. Among the carotenoids found in plant foods, lycopene is the most powerful antioxidant in vitro. As shown by Paran and colleagues, lycopene-rich tomatoe extract (Lyc-O-Mato) – when tested in a double blind cross-over study over 6 weeks versus placebo – may help to better control hypertension in patients receiving standard low-dose medication (such as ACE inhibitors or beta-blockers).

“The benefits of our study are in the use of an effective concentration of antioxidants in their natural formulation, tomato extract with all the nutrients of the tomato included, extracted in natural tomato oil.”

“The core findings from this study are:

(1) a significant decline both in systolic and diastolic blood pressures with tomato extract therapy

(2) a significant increase in serum lycopene level after tomato extract therapy

(3) a significant increase in serum nitrate level after tomato extract therapy.”

Whether tomato extract alone is able to lower high blood pressure is currently unknown; the present data, however, are encouraging as they possibly offer means to reduce the daily intake of standard drugs for controlling hypertension in humans.

The full text article was published in Cardiovascular Drugs and Therapy on December 4, 2008.

Photo Credit: freestuf

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Tomato extract “Lyc-O-Mato” May Help to Control Hypertension in Humans

Goat Cheese Makes Pizza Even Healthier!

ruth — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 15:31:34 +0000

Did you know that goat cheese can help your body absorb the carotenoids in pizza sauce? Dr. John La Puma tells you why and proceeds to demonstrate a recipe for Gluten Free Goat Cheese Pizza:

Goodbye mozzarella, hello goat cheese?

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Goat Cheese Makes Pizza Even Healthier!

Summer’s Thirst-quencher: Watermelons

ruth — Tue, 08 Aug 2006 14:28:21 +0000

Ah, watermelons! My all-time favorite summer fruit. With its high water content, it’s the perfect thirst-quencher, snack or dessert during hot summer days. It’s a staple on our picnic basket (despite its weight!).

But aside from saving you from potential dehydration, there’s more to watermelons than just water. It is rich in Vitamins A and C, and a carotenoid called lycopene, a powerful antioxidant associated with reduced cancer risk and lower rates of heart disease. In fact, there’s a study that showed that watermelons contain even more lycopenes than tomatoes, its more popular and common source.

Are all watermelons created equal? A survey of 50 commercial cultivars of watermelons revealed that although most types had high lycopene content, it varied greatly among the different cultivars, ranging from 33 to 100 mg/kg. Your best bet would be the seedless red-fleshed varieties.

If you bought a whole uncut watermelon and you don’t plan to eat it just yet, just store it in room temperature (about 21°C/70°F). According to researchers from the US Department of Agriculture, this will give the watermelons more opportunity to develop more of these phytochemicals. If on the other hand, you bought your fruit already cut up in the refrigerated section of the supermarket, don’t worry; your watermelon didn’t lose a significant amount of nutrients even after a few days in the fridge.

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Summer’s Thirst-quencher: Watermelons