Feeding tomatoes to hamsters reduces their plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides

Hamsters were fed semipurified diets containing green or red freeze-dried t omato powders. Compared to the control diet devoid of tomatoes, a 59% and 4 4% reduction low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol was induced by both the green and red tomatoes, respectively. The corresponding reductions in v ery low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) were 45% and 35% and in plasma triglyce ride concentrations 47% and 31%, respectively. Plasma levels of high-densit y lipoproteins (HDL) were unaffected. Fecal deoxycholic and lithocholic aci d concentrations of hamsters on tomato diets were higher than those on cont rol diets. Possible contributions of major components of green and red toma toes to these beneficial effects are discussed.