Lycopene

This carotenoid found in large amounts in tomatoes may have a protective role in atherosclerosis especially if you’re a smoker.  Although there’s no correlation between this carotenoid blood levels of other carotenoids such as beta carotene as far as atherosclerotic plaque is concerned, research still suggests that lycopene may have benefit. 1

1.       Klipstein-Grobusch K, Launer LJ, Geleijnse JM, et al. Serum carotenoids and atherosclerosis. The Rotterdam Study. Atherosclerosis 2000;148:49–56.