(RxWiki News) Tomatoes contain a nutrient that may prevent onset of vascular diseases, according to new research from Kyoto University.
Researchers identified an extracted from tomatoes a compound called 9-oxo-octadecadienoic that appears to reduce dyslipidemia (abnormal concentrations of lipids or lipoproteins in the blood). Lipids refer to blood fats in this case, and lipoproteins are biochemical units that contain both proteins and lipids that are water-bound to the proteins, such an enzymes and toxins.
Cholesterol and fat in the bloodstream can lead to symptomatic vascular diseases such as high blood pressure and arteriosclerosis ("hardening" of the arteries). In order to prevent these conditions, it's important to lower blood-fat, or lipid, levels, which is where tomatoes may come in.
Researchers looked at 9-oxo-octadecadienoic acid and found that 9-oxo-octadecadienoic enhances fatty acid oxidation and contributes to the regulation of hepatic lipid metabolism -- or the blood's way of "eating" at and processing fat. The discovery suggests 9-oxo-octadecadienoic is linked to anti-dyslipidemia (lowered levels of blood lipids or fats) and lower vascular-disease risk.
Dr Teruo Kawada, who led the research from Kyoto University, said the finding suggests people can easily manage the onset of dyslipidemia through their daily diet.
