Processed Tomato Products May Protect Against Inflammation, According to a Study Presented at the Experimental Biolo...( SACRAMENTO Calif. April 21 -- Tomato...),Health

SACRAMENTO, Calif., April 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Tomato products may protect against inflammation. Such were the findings from a recent multi-center, randomized, controlled trial on the effects of processed tomatoes on vasodilatation and C-reactive protein in overweight and obese men and women, presented by one of the study researchers, Rose M Giordano, Ph.D. on April 19, 2009 at the Experimental Biology meeting held in New Orleans, La.

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An immerging body of research suggests that inflammation may be a significant component in the development of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, periodontal disease, rheumatoid arthritis, neurological degenerative disorders, and inflammatory bowel disorders. There is growing interest in the role that diet may play in reducing inflammation in order to protect against such chronic diseases.

The regular consumption of tomato products has been consistently associated with a lower risk of several types of cancer and coronary heart disease. Using data from adults in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2004), researchers recently found that consumption of processed tomatoes was associated with significantly lower serum C-reactive protein. C-reactive protein is a recognized biomarker of inflammation.

Scientists are intrigued with the array of nutrients such as vitamins A and C, fiber, potassium, beta-carotene, and lycopene that appear to work together in unison to provide health benefits. Particular interest has surrounded lycopene, a powerful antioxidant found abundantly in processed tomato products. Tomatoes, the s
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