A study shows that a diet rich in tomatoes reduces the risk of stroke.

THE RESEARCH WAS CARRIED OUT AT THE FINNISH UNIVERSITY OF KUOPIO.

Finnish researchers claim that a diet rich in tomatoes could reduce the chances of suffering a stroke. The discovery occurred when they were studying the effects of the appreciated lycopene contained in tomatoes..

The research carried out by the Finnish University of Kuopio was carried out with more than a thousand men of different ages. One of the results concludes that those individuals with a greater amount of lycopene in their blood, were the least likely to suffer a stroke.

To carry out the research, four groups were formed based on the amount of lycopene in the blood.. In the group of 258 men with low lycopene, they gave 25 stroke. In the group of 259 men with higher lycopene levels only received 11.

The study states that this represents a reduction in 25% in the probability of suffering a stroke. Participants' lycopene levels were measured at the beginning of the study and then monitored over a period of 12 years.

El doctor Jouni Karppi, from the University of Eastern Finland, not Kuopio, explained that “This study adds to the evidence that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is associated with a lower risk of stroke”.

Also, “The results support the recommendation that five servings of fruits and vegetables should be consumed per day., possibly leading to a significant reduction in the number of strokes worldwide, as indicated by previous research”, Karppi added..

On the other hand, Dr Clare Walton, of the Association of People Affected by Stroke pointed out that “This study suggests that an antioxidant found in foods like tomatoes, peppers and watermelons could help reduce the risk of stroke”.

“However, This research should not discourage people from eating other types of fruits and vegetables, since they are all beneficial for health and constitute an important part of a basic diet. More studies are needed to help us understand why the particular antioxidant found in vegetables like tomatoes could help reduce the risk of stroke.”, Walton added..