You’ve likely heard that Aspirin can be a lifesaver if you are experiencing a heart attack or stroke. Experts suggest that partial cholesterol blockages in your arteries are the most likely cause of a rupture or blockage that could lead to such events. (Updated Dec 2, 2022)

When an artery ruptures, it draws platelets to the site of the injury. Platelets are tiny blood cells that are essential for blood clotting. Over time, a clot, also referred to as a thrombus, can begin to build up at the rupture site.

As the clot continues to grow, it eventually obstructs the artery. If this blockage completely covers the artery, it deprives a portion of your heart muscle or brain of oxygen. This results in the death of essential cells and can ultimately cause a heart attack or stroke (1).

For many years, doctors recommended taking Aspirin daily to prevent platelets from gathering in the bloodstream. Low doses of Aspirin were thought to stop blood clots in their tracks.

However, while Aspirin can be effective, it also comes with some serious side effects, such as an increased risk of cardiac failure, heart attacks, and severe gastrointestinal bleeding (2).

FDA No Longer Recommends Aspirin

Although Aspirin has long been the go-to remedy for heart attacks, the FDA has recently revised its position.

When Bayer, the leading manufacturer of Aspirin, sought approval to claim that Aspirin “can prevent heart attacks,” the FDA decided to review the evidence before allowing such a claim.

The result is that the FDA now advises against using Aspirin for individuals who have never experienced a heart attack or stroke.

The FDA concluded that the available data does not support the use of Aspirin as a preventive medication for people without a history of heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular issues, a practice known as "primary prevention." For these individuals, while benefits have not been proven, risks like dangerous bleeding in the brain or stomach are still present (3).

Other research, including studies from the past decade, aligns with this view. For instance, a report by Dr. John G. F. Cleland, a cardiologist at the University of Hull, published in the British Journal of Medicine, concluded that Aspirin therapy was not saving lives. Dr. Cleland noted that while the number of non-fatal events may decrease, the number of sudden deaths actually increases. He based this on the fact that Aspirin can mask a cardiac event that is in progress (4).

Dr. Cleland is not alone in this view.

Dr. M. Sue Kirkman, Vice President of Clinical Affairs at the American Diabetes Association, emphasizes that the growing body of research suggests that the benefits of Aspirin are minimal, and there is insufficient evidence to justify its routine use.

A report from the Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin outlines the dangers of long-term Aspirin use, particularly noting that “long-term low-dose Aspirin therapy almost doubles the risk of gastrointestinal hemorrhage” (5).

In sum, numerous studies have highlighted the potential side effects of Aspirin, which are associated with 64 different diseases, according to GreenMedInfo (6). These include duodenal ulcers, gastrointestinal damage, diverticular disease, an increased risk of ER/PR-negative breast cancer in women, kidney failure, cataracts, hearing loss, and even tinnitus.

Tomatoes to the Rescue

What many people don’t realize is that most modern drugs began as plant-based remedies. Aspirin, for example, was originally derived from the bark of the white willow tree (7).

Modern medicine has since altered these natural ingredients until they no longer resemble their original forms.

But one such remedy that needs no alteration to be effective for preventing heart attacks and strokes is the humble tomato.

Yes, you heard that right! Tomatoes are packed with phytonutrients, including lycopene, beta-carotene, and various minerals like iron, magnesium, and phosphorus. Rich in vitamins A, K, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and E, these red fruits are a treasure trove of heart-protective nutrients.

Tomato Extract Research

Recent studies show that tomato extract is actually more effective at thinning the blood than Aspirin, and without the concerning side effects. The study, published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, has garnered significant attention worldwide.

The study concludes that lycopene extract “may be appropriate for use as a dietary antiplatelet” (8).

Researchers further argue that tomatoes can protect your heart by reducing LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, homocysteine levels, platelet hyperactivity, and blood pressure (9).

These findings support the position that “Aspirin therapy is responsible for numerous serious side effects, rendering it unsuitable for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease” (10).

For those who rely on statins to control their cholesterol and blood pressure, recent research suggests that tomato juice or even cooked tomatoes can offer the same benefits as these drugs.

Experts in Australia have analyzed 14 international studies over the past 55 years regarding lycopene, one of the active compounds in tomatoes. Their findings confirm that lycopene helps combat high LDL cholesterol levels. Some studies show that lycopene reduces cholesterol synthesis and enhances LDL degradation (11).

Other studies show that eating tomatoes, in any form, significantly reduces “serum lipid peroxidation and LDL oxidation” (12).

The research surrounding lycopene is so compelling that scientists at the Rowett Institute of Nutrition & Health at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland claim that tomato extracts can be used as a safer alternative to Aspirin for thinning the blood (13).

Kudos to Tomatoes

Dr. Brian O'Neil, a leading cardiologist and pediatric surgeon, adds that not only are tomato extracts as effective as prescription Aspirin, but they do not have any of the side effects associated with the drug.

“We’ve used Aspirin indiscriminately for years as a pain reliever and anti-inflammatory, but we’re now seeing more risks and discrepancies, especially when natural alternatives are proving more effective without the negative side effects.”

In 1999, European scientists developed a groundbreaking nutraceutical called Fruitflow, derived from the gel surrounding tomato seeds. This product was patented as a natural remedy for promoting healthy blood flow and supporting healthy platelets. It is “the only product of its kind” and one of the first dietary ingredients to receive an authorized health benefit statement from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) (14).

Studies show that platelet plugs form within 100-150 seconds for people using Fruitflow, compared to 300-600 seconds for Aspirin users. This is crucial, as platelet plugs typically form within 50-100 seconds, allowing for a narrow window for intervention.

This product is marketed as an ideal dietary intervention to control platelet hyperactivity, particularly for older individuals or those with type II diabetes, atherosclerosis, or low cardiovascular disease risk.

Adding tomatoes to your diet—whether raw, cooked, or juiced—is a great way to help protect yourself from heart attacks or strokes, especially as you age. Research shows that eating tomatoes can lower your risk of cardiovascular and coronary heart disease by as much as 30% (15). So, skip the Aspirin, and grab some tomatoes instead!