Scientists Study the Effects of Tomato Paste on Brain Function

Regular consumption of tomato paste may be associated with changes in brain function, including improvements in selective attention and some measures of memory. Researchers in Spain studied the possible effects of lycopene, one of the main antioxidants found in tomatoes.

The study involved 42 middle-aged participants. During the tomato paste phase, participants consumed 35 grams of the product every day for three months.

What Did the Study Show?

The clinical study was conducted by a team led by dietitian Ricardo López-Solís from the University of Barcelona. Researchers examined the possible effects of lycopene on cognitive functions and connections between major neural networks in the brain.

Participants completed a period of daily tomato paste consumption and another period of a diet low in lycopene, with a break between the two stages.

After the period of consuming tomato paste, researchers recorded several changes:

• higher levels of lycopene in the blood;
• improved measures of selective attention;
• a small improvement in associative memory;
• a tendency toward higher levels of BDNF, a protein associated with maintaining and developing the nervous system.

What Did the Brain Scans Show?

Additional brain scans were performed on 14 participants. The researchers detected changes in connectivity within several major neural networks after the period of tomato paste consumption.

Changes were observed in networks involved in attention and information processing. The researchers suggested that a reduction in some excessive interactions between neural networks could potentially contribute to more efficient and flexible brain function.

The findings suggest a possible connection between higher lycopene levels and changes in neural activity, but larger studies are needed to determine whether these effects are long-lasting.

Why Are Scientists Interested in Lycopene?

Lycopene is a natural antioxidant found mainly in tomatoes and tomato-based products. It has been studied for its potential role in processes related to oxidative stress and inflammation.

Researchers are also investigating whether lycopene could influence neuroinflammatory processes. However, the current findings do not mean that tomato paste can be considered a treatment or a preventive measure for brain diseases.

Why Tomato Paste Can Be a Good Source of Lycopene

Cooking and heat processing break down some of the cellular structures in tomatoes. This can make lycopene more available for absorption by the body.

As a result, cooked tomatoes and tomato-based products such as tomato paste may provide lycopene in a more bioavailable form than some raw tomato products.

Tomato paste is also widely used in Turkish cuisine. It is a common ingredient in soups, sauces, vegetable dishes and meat recipes, making it a familiar part of everyday cooking in Türkiye.

Researchers Warn Against Premature Conclusions

Despite the positive findings, the study was relatively small. Only 42 people participated, while brain scans were conducted on just 14 participants.

The results do not prove that tomato paste can treat brain diseases or guarantee better memory. Larger studies are needed to confirm the findings and determine whether the observed changes persist over time.

The research nevertheless adds to the growing body of evidence examining how diet and plant-based antioxidants may be associated with brain function.