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<\/p>\n3 min readKey Points<\/p>\n
The American Liver Foundation<\/a> estimates that a shockingly high number of Americans\u2014100 million, or 25% of the population\u2014have 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n For the study, published in Nutrients<\/a>, 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\u2019 liver health had changed. They found that the tomato eaters experienced a significantly greater reduction in liver fat than those who had avoided tomatoes.<\/p>\n Meet the Experts:<\/strong> Nadege Gunn, M.D.<\/a>, 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<\/a>., registered dietitian nutritionist and owner of The Earth-Centered Dietitian.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat makes this finding particularly compelling is that the improvement in liver fat occurred without meaningful changes in body weight or overall body composition,\u201d explains Nadege Gunn, M.D.<\/a>, a board-certified hepatologist and chief medical officer of hepatology and obesity medicine at Iterative Health. \u201cThis suggests that the benefit was not simply the result of eating less or losing weight\u2014the tomatoes themselves appear to have had a direct, favorable effect on how the liver handles fat.\u201d<\/p>\n So, what does this mean for you and your liver health<\/a>? Below, experts weigh in on the findings.<\/p>\n Add Prevention as a preferred source in your Google search results.<\/p>\n Use your Google account to add this to your settings.<\/p>\n Add to Google settings<\/p>\n How might tomatoes promote liver health?<\/p>\n 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<\/p>\n \u201cResearch 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,\u201d Dr. Gunn says. \u201cThe 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\u2019s why a mix of raw and cooked tomatoes may offer the highest health benefit.\u201d<\/p>\n What does this mean for you?<\/p>\n The study\u2019s findings are \u201cproof that small, consistent choices matter,\u201d says Stacey Woodson, M.S., R.D.N., L.D.N<\/a>., owner of The Earth-Centered Dietitian.<\/p>\n![\"Google\"](\"https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/google.1467f37.svg\")
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