How tomato paste affects the brain – unexpected findings from scientists

Spanish scientists from the University of Barcelona have found that regular consumption of tomato paste improves cognitive abilities. In a three-month experiment, 42 volunteers ate 35 grams of paste daily. Tests showed enhanced selective attention and improved associative memory, while MRI revealed shifts in functional connectivity of brain networks. Lycopene was identified as the key factor.

Spanish researchers from the University of Barcelona conducted a clinical experiment to test how bioactive compounds in tomatoes affect the central nervous system. Over three months, 42 healthy middle-aged volunteers consumed 35 grams of tomato paste daily. At the end of the period, participants underwent comprehensive cognitive function testing, and 14 of them had detailed MRI brain scans. The results showed a noticeable enhancement in selective attention and a slight improvement in associative memory. MRI confirmed physiological-level changes, revealing shifts in the functional connectivity of major brain networks. Scientists believe the main catalyst is lycopene, a powerful natural antioxidant capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier and reducing neuroinflammation. The authors acknowledge limitations: the experiment was conducted in an open-label format without a blind method, which cannot rule out the placebo effect. Lead author, dietitian Ricardo Lopez-Solis, considers the results a promising direction for studying the role of nutrition in cognitive health.