Prevent Vascular Disease with Tomatoes
Tomatoes have been linked to several different health benefits, including cancer prevention, lower cholesterol levels, reduced blood pressure, and decreased heart disease risk.
Nutritional Value of Tomatoes
The carotenoid lycopene has been extensively studied to determine antioxidant and cancer preventing properties.
Tomatoes are also rich in many nutrients, such as vitamin C and vitamin A. In addition, they provide a good source of fiber, which is know to lower high cholesterol levels, stabilize blood sugar, and prevent colon cancer.
Tomatoes and Heart Disease
2 Foods to Lower High Blood Pressure
Here are two foods containing nutrients that will promote a lower blood pressure:
1. Garlic
Garlic is a source of allicin, which has been shown to lower blood pressure. Around 10,000 mg of allicin (~4 garlic cloves) is needed daily for a blood pressure lowering effect. Studies show the average reduction in systolic blood pressure to be 5-8 mm Hg. Important to note – not all forms of garlic are equal! Cultivated garlic, aged garlic, wild cultivated garlic, fresh garlic, and long-acting garlic preparations have variable effects.
