This red fruit may boost your health

Apples aren't the only fruits that could boost heart health. Recent research published in the journal Neurology suggests that tomatoes could lower your risk of stroke.

The Neurology study adds to mounting evidence that diets high in fruits and vegetables, especially certain varieties, can lower the risk of widespread conditions like heart disease.

Patients currently suffering from heart disease may buy Lipitor to reduce their risk of stroke. In addition to exercise and dietary care, patients can buy other medications from Canadian and online international pharmacies, which often provide medications at more affordable prices when compared to traditional pharmacies.

Participant data
Researchers in the Neurology study followed 1,000 Finnish men between the ages of 46 and 65, starting in 1991, for an average of just over 12 years. Initial data sets were collected to establish LDL and HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure, BMI, alcohol consumption, physical activity, diabetes and smoking history - all factors expected to affect heart health.

The study concluded that participants with the greatest levels of lycopene, an antioxidant found primarily in tomatoes (and other fruits to a lesser degree), were 55 percent less likely to experience a stroke during the testing period when compared to those with lower lycopene levels in their blood. However, results were skewed somewhat, as participants less likely to experience stroke were also younger, smoked less and had lower blood pressure on average.

According to researchers, these mixed results show that while lycopene may positively affect heart health, health habits and dietary choices are also major contributors to stroke risk. In the end, more research is needed in order to determine whether tomatoes are the answer to heart health, but the science is clear that fruits and vegetables are, as they say, "good for you."