Scientists have proven that daily intake of tomato juice helps us lose weight without changing our diet and exercise regime. The study was done by the China Medical University in Taiwan, starting with recruiting a group of clinically healthy women to take 280ml of tomato juice daily.
About the study
Scientists from the University of China selected 25 women aged between 20 and 30 years who took 280ml of tomato juice every day for two months. At the beginning and end of these two months, the scientists measured body composition and analysed blood samples of the women who participated in the experiment. No controlled group was included in this study with additional placebo intake.
Results
Supplementation with tomato juice increased the concentration of the carotenoid lycopene in the women's blood. Carotenoid is the constituent to which the tomato owes its red colour. The human body is not able to absorb lycopene well from fresh raw tomatoes, but it absorbs it wonderfully from tomatoes that have been cooked. For this, cooked tomato juice, tomato puree and powdered sauce mixes are all ideal sources of lycopene.
Although the women did not change their diet, nor did they exercise more than before, they managed to lose body weight during the experiment. Their body fat percentage dropped, waist circumference also decreased. However small the measurement differences, the results were still statistically significant.
Supplementation with tomato juice reduced the synthesis of MCP-1 protein (a protein that in uncontrolled amounts adversely affects the development of diabetes, heart attack and stroke) and increased the release of the antidiabetic inhibitor adiponectin.
The mechanism
Scientists suggest that lycopene (or its metabolites) stimulates the enzyme SIRT1 in cells, which influences faster fat burning.
Conclusion
„Thanks to the ingredient lycopene, daily intake of tomato juice for 8 weeks successfully reduced waist circumference and lowered blood cholesterol levels in young and clinically healthy women. On the other hand, reduced MCP-1 synthesis and enhanced adiponectin secretion make daily intake of a glass of tomato juice an ideal method for prevention of diabetes, heart attack, stroke, etc. “
Source: Nutrition 10.1016
