Daily tomato paste linked to better cognitive function, study finds

Key Points:

• A small Spanish study found that consuming about two tablespoons of tomato paste daily for three months improved concentration, processing speed, and associative memory in adults aged 40 to 55 compared to a low-lycopene diet.
• Participants scored significantly higher on cognitive tests after the tomato paste phase, with increases in concentration, processing speed, and face-name matching abilities.
• Blood tests indicated a borderline increase in BDNF, a protein linked to brain cell growth, and brain scans suggested more efficient brain connectivity, though the small sample size limits definitive conclusions.
• Researchers emphasized that the findings are preliminary and do not prove tomato paste prevents cognitive decline, calling for larger studies to confirm the effects of lycopene-rich foods on brain health.
• Experts noted the results align with broader research suggesting that low lycopene levels are associated with higher mortality and cardiovascular risks, highlighting the potential importance of naturally red foods like tomatoes, watermelon, and red peppers in the diet.