Mice with a genetic change that makes them prone to clogged arteries were fed a fatty diet. The ones that also got lycopene (a natural compound from tomatoes) had higher levels of 'good' cholesterol in their blood than those that didn't get lycopene.
See the scientific wording
In a high-fat diet-fed apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE–/–) mouse model, lycopene supplementation is associated with increased serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels compared to control mice.
Correlational — new studies may shift this
ObservationalOne low-scoring study links this claim to the outcome, but causation is not established.
What the research says
1 study reviewedSupporting (1)
Cohort StudyAnimal2021
The study gave mice lycopene and found that they had more good cholesterol in their blood compared to mice that didn't get lycopene.
Contradicting (0)
No contradicting studies found yet
That doesn't mean it's settled — it just means no study has tested the opposite.
Quality-weighted scoring: we follow the GRADE framework — each study is rated High, Moderate, Low, or Very Low based on study design, methodology rigor, and risk of bias. A single high-quality RCT can outweigh several weaker observational studies.
Scores reflect study quality, not just count.
Lycopene, a natural compound in tomatoes, works in the gut. It lowers the amount of a protein that helps the body absorb cholesterol from food. With less cholesterol absorbed, there is less cholesterol in the blood. This increases the good cholesterol (HDL) and decreases bad cholesterol. Having more good cholesterol helps protect the heart and blood vessels.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting study
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Mice with a genetic change that makes them prone to clogged arteries were fed a fatty diet. The ones that also got lycopene (a natural compound from tomatoes) had higher levels of 'good' cholesterol in their blood than those that didn't get lycopene.
Mechanism
1 studyLycopene from tomatoes works in your gut. It stops the gut from absorbing too much cholesterol from food. That means less cholesterol goes into your blood. Lower bad cholesterol and higher good cholesterol keep your arteries healthy.
Lycopene, a natural compound in tomatoes, works in the gut. It lowers the amount of a protein that helps the body absorb cholesterol from food. With less cholesterol absorbed, there is less cholesterol in the blood. This increases the good cholesterol (HDL) and decreases bad cholesterol. Having more good cholesterol helps protect the heart and blood vessels.
Lycopene reduces the expression of HNF-1α in the small intestine.
Lower HNF-1α levels lead to reduced expression of NPC1L1, a cholesterol transporter.
Reduced NPC1L1 activity decreases absorption of dietary cholesterol in the gut.
Less absorbed cholesterol lowers total serum cholesterol and LDL-C, while raising HDL-C.
The improved lipid profile reduces the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
Community contributions welcome
The study gave mice lycopene and found that they had more good cholesterol in their blood compared to mice that didn't get lycopene.
Contradicting (0)
Community contributions welcome
Score Breakdown
No multi-axis breakdown available yet. The overall Pro / Against score above is the best signal.
- No clinical evidence is available; the score reflects mechanistic plausibility only.
What Would Prove This
Per GRADE and EBM methodology, here is what ideal scientific evidence would look like to definitively prove or disprove this claim, ordered from strongest to weakest.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Lycopene Effects on HDL Cholesterol in ApoE Knockout Mouse Models
Systematic review and meta-analysis of all published and unpublished randomized controlled trials and controlled animal studies evaluating lycopene supplementation (any dose, route, and duration) versus control (no supplement or placebo) on serum HDL cholesterol levels in high-fat diet-fed ApoE knockout mice.
Randomized Controlled Trial of Lycopene Supplementation in High-Fat Diet-Fed ApoE Knockout Mice
Randomized, placebo-controlled trial with two groups of high-fat diet-fed ApoE–/– mice: one receiving lycopene (at a specified dose, e.g., 10 mg/kg/day) and the other receiving a placebo (e.g., vehicle), for a defined duration (e.g., 12 weeks), with measurement of serum HDL cholesterol at baseline and endpoint.
Prospective Cohort Study of Lycopene Intake and HDL Cholesterol in ApoE Knockout Mice
Prospective cohort study of a group of high-fat diet-fed ApoE–/– mice followed for a defined period (e.g., 6 months), with lycopene intake measured (via diet or supplementation) and serum HDL cholesterol measured at multiple time points, adjusting for potential confounders like age and weight.
Case-Control Study of HDL Cholesterol Levels in ApoE Knockout Mice With and Without Lycopene Exposure
Case-control study: select ApoE knockout mice with high serum HDL (cases) and low HDL (controls) from a population of high-fat diet-fed mice, and retrospectively compare their lycopene intake or supplementation history using dietary records or serum lycopene measurements.
Cross-Sectional Study of Lycopene Levels and HDL Cholesterol in ApoE Knockout Mice
Cross-sectional study: measure serum lycopene and HDL cholesterol levels in a group of high-fat diet-fed ApoE–/– mice at one time point, then analyze the correlation between the two variables, adjusting for potential confounders like age and body weight.