Tomatoes may hold the promise of better blood pressure control.

In a small study, people with hypertension who consumed tomato extract daily for 8 weeks experienced a 10-point drop in systolic blood pressure and a 4-point drop in diastolic pressure. The lycopene in the tomato extract was credited for the effect. Further research is needed to confirm the findings; however, lycopene is already touted for its anticancer and heart-protective effects.

Although the research on blood pressure and tomato extract is too preliminary to make definitive recommendations, getting plenty of lycopene in your diet is a good idea for heart health. It also may protect against prostate cancer. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant found in red produce such as tomatoes and tomato products, watermelon, and pink grapefruit. In a recent study, a small group of people with stage 1 hypertension took 250 milligrams of tomato extract daily -- containing about 15 milligrams of lycopene -- for 8 weeks. At the end of the study period, participants' systolic blood pressure dropped to an average of 134 mm Hg from an average of 144 mm Hg, while diastolic pressure dropped to about 83 mm Hg from an average of about 87 mm Hg. Although diet is an important component of preventing and managing high blood pressure, other factors play a role. Follow your doctor's lifestyle recommendations and take medication as prescribed if you have high blood pressure.