Tomatoes can reduce Cholesterol - Effectively

Tomato has long been recognized as a complement to a variety of delicious dishes. Not just a flavor enhancer, the fruit is often processed into pasta and pizza toppings also has important benefits for health.

Recent studies prove, that has been processed tomato intake regularly can cut cholesterol levels. Scientists say, ripe tomatoes have the same efficacy with statins, drugs commonly used chemicals to lower cholesterol and high blood pressure.

Tomatoes can be a source alternative to overcome the conditions that can lead to heart problems. Eating two ounces of tomato paste or a pint of tomato juice a day to function as controller of cholesterol patients.

The secret lies in the level of lycopene compound that gives red color in tomatoes. This compound contains high antioxidants that help reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

To obtain the best benefits, eat tomatoes that have been cooked. The body will absorb the lycopene in cooked tomatoes are better than raw tomatoes.

Australian experts analyzed results from 14 international studies on the benefits of lycopene for 55 years. They conclude, tomatoes could provide a natural defense to reduce 'bad cholesterol' in the blood. The effect is comparable with small doses of statins.

According to study authors, Dr Karin Ried, from The University of Adelaide, a pint of tomato juice or tomato paste 50 grams a day 'will provide protection against heart disease'.

"I recommend the tomato paste. Food is rich in lycopene and very easily obtained in everyday foods like pasta and juices."

The study, published in the journal Maturity also mention other sources of lycopene. Lycopene is found in watermelon, guava, papaya, orange, apricot and rosehip but in lower concentrations. VIVAnews

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Foods that increase cholesterol

Healthy diet is the first effort to fight rising levels of cholesterol. "If you eat foods with lots of fruits and vegetables plus fish, you are on track to maintain healthy cholesterol," says Lisa Dorfman, a nutritionist and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association.

You must reduce the following foods:

Dairy products
Saturated fat is the stopper of the arteries and enhancing levels of bad cholesterol. Foods like ice cream and cheese is a source of saturated fat. Reduce consumption of both these tasty food for a healthier heart.

Processed Meat
Bacon, sausage, corned beef, and other processed meats are a source of saturated fat plug your blood vessels. Avoid these foods for cholesterol levels more stable.

Fried
Fried worse than saturated fat because it contains trans fats. It's like directing a weapon on himself, "Dorfman said. The main source of trans fats is partially hydrogenated oil, which is used in most fast-food restaurant in frying food. Trans fats increase cholesterol like crazy to raise levels of LDL or bad cholesterol and lowering HDL or good cholesterol.

Margarine
It also sources of saturated fat bad cholesterol enhancers. Instead, apply olive oil on your bread in the morning. Add the olive oil on salad vegetables.

Bread, cakes and cookies
Cake and cookies is a source of trans fatty acids are bad for heart health. Bread and cake made by your own because it also contains saturated fat margarine. Try not too often consume these foods for your heart health.

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