Tomato Consumption May Reduce Liver Fat
Nour Nour El-Din: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease associated with metabolic dysfunction is one of the most common liver diseases worldwide, and is often linked to obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and lipid disorders. While weight loss and physical activity remain the cornerstone of treatment, a recent study suggests that daily tomato consumption may help reduce liver fat accumulation in some patients. Published in the journal Nutrients, the study showed that individuals with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease who consumed fresh tomatoes and tomato sauce daily for six weeks experienced a greater reduction in liver fat levels compared to those who followed a tomato-free diet.
How was the study conducted? The study included 79 adults aged 18 to 65, all diagnosed with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, but none had severe obesity. Individuals with a body mass index (BMI) exceeding 30 kg/m² were excluded. Participants were divided into two groups: one followed a tomato-free diet, and the other consumed 200 grams of fresh tomatoes or 50 grams of tomato sauce daily. Results showed that liver fat decreased in both groups, but the reduction was significantly greater in the group consuming tomatoes daily. This benefit occurred without significant changes in weight, fat mass, or waist circumference, suggesting that the potential advantage may not depend solely on weight loss.
Why might tomatoes be beneficial? Researchers attribute the benefit to the presence of various plant compounds in tomatoes, most notably lycopene—a powerful antioxidant that gives tomatoes their red color—as well as vitamin C, carotenoids, and polyphenols. Scientists believe these compounds may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver, two key factors in the progression of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. Some studies also suggest that cooking tomatoes with a small amount of olive oil may enhance lycopene absorption, which may explain why the study used both fresh tomatoes and tomato sauce.
Are tomatoes sufficient to treat fatty liver disease? Experts emphasize that tomatoes are not a cure for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, but may be part of a healthy diet. Additionally, the study was relatively short, included a limited number of participants, and excluded individuals with severe obesity—a group that represents a large proportion of patients with fatty liver disease in reality. Therefore, the results cannot be generalized to all patients, and larger, longer-term studies are needed to confirm these benefits.
