Tomatoes, Tomato Products and Onions
Tomatoes and certain products of tomatoes contain plant compounds that may help reduce the risks of developing atherosclerosis. Tomatoes contain a carotenoid pigment, known as lycopene. Studies show that eating tomatoes that contain high levels of tomato may help:
- Boost HDL (good) cholesterol
- Reduce the risk of heart disease [1]
- Reduce inflammation
Studies show that combining tomatoes and olive oil while cooking is essential for treating clogged arteries.
Onions are a member of the Allium family. They offer numerous health benefits, such as improving artery health. Studies show that people who add lots of onions to their diet are less likely to develop artery-related diseases.
A study on 1,226 women older than 70 years discovered that high consumption of Allium vegetables was responsible for the reduced risk of death caused by atherosclerosis. Onions help prevent artery inflammation, increase the level of nitric oxide in the blood, and prevent clumping of platelets in the blood.