- A new study found that eating tomatoes may improve certain markers of liver health in people with metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease (MASLD).
- Tomatoes contain lycopene and beta-carotene, powerful antioxidants that support liver health.
The American Liver Foundation estimates that a shockingly high number of Americans—100 million, or 25% of the population—have metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease (MASLD). Previously known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, MASLD occurs when excess fat builds up in liver cells and tends to affect those with increased body fat, diabetes, high cholesterol, or high triglycerides. Though this condition is often asymptomatic, it’s nonetheless important to keep an eye on, as MASLD can lead to a more serious disease called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), which can cause cirrhosis or liver failure.
Experts typically recommend that those with MASLD make changes to their diet and exercise habits to slow or reverse disease progression. And now, researchers have found a food that appears to help more than most: tomatoes.
For the study, published in Nutrients, researchers followed two groups of participants with MASLD: one group that was assigned to consume a set amount of raw tomatoes and tomato sauce (about one large tomato plus a few tablespoons of sauce) every day, and a control group that ate a tomato-free diet during the same time period. After six weeks, the researchers assessed how the participants’ liver health had changed. They found that the tomato eaters experienced a significantly greater reduction in liver fat than those who had avoided tomatoes.
Meet the Experts: Nadege Gunn, M.D., board-certified hepatologist and chief medical officer of Hepatology and Obesity Medicine at Iterative Health; and Stacey Woodson, M.S., R.D.N., L.D.N., registered dietitian nutritionist and owner of The Earth-Centered Dietitian.
“What makes this finding particularly compelling is that the improvement in liver fat occurred without meaningful changes in body weight or overall body composition,” explains Nadege Gunn, M.D., a board-certified hepatologist and chief medical officer of hepatology and obesity medicine at Iterative Health. “This suggests that the benefit was not simply the result of eating less or losing weight—the tomatoes themselves appear to have had a direct, favorable effect on how the liver handles fat.”
So, what does this mean for you and your liver health? Below, experts weigh in on the findings.
Add Prevention as a preferred source in your Google search results.
Use your Google account to add this to your settings.
How might tomatoes promote liver health?
Tomatoes are one of the richest dietary sources of lycopene, a nutrient known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. They also contain beta carotene, which is another plant compound that can calm oxidative stress
“Research suggests lycopene may work through several complementary pathways to support liver function by making less new fat, breaking down existing fat more efficiently, and pulling less fat from the bloodstream,” Dr. Gunn says. “The combination of raw and cooked tomatoes in this study was thoughtful, as cooking makes lycopene easier for the body to absorb, while raw tomatoes preserve other heat-sensitive nutrients that cooking can break down. That’s why a mix of raw and cooked tomatoes may offer the highest health benefit.”
What does this mean for you?
The study’s findings are “proof that small, consistent choices matter,” says Stacey Woodson, M.S., R.D.N., L.D.N., owner of The Earth-Centered Dietitian.
However, it’s important to remember that tomatoes aren’t the only food known to support liver health. Other foods with anti-inflammatory benefits include fiber-rich selections like colorful produce, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. Additionally, limiting your sugar intake can make a significant difference, Woodson says. “Consistent choices like these add up to meaningful protection for your liver over time,” she adds.
Read the full article here