# Study on tomato consumption and cognitive function > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/study-on-tomato-consumption-and-cognitive-function > Updated: 2026-09-11T18:03:00.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2. Researchers at the University of Barcelona conducted a clinical study published in the journal ‘Antioxidants’ regarding the impact of tomato consumption on cognitive health. The randomized crossover trial involved 42 healthy adults who consumed 35 grams of tomato paste or puree daily for three months. The study reported improvements in selective attention and slight enhancements in associative memory. Brain imaging of a 14-participant subgroup indicated changes in functional connectivity within the frontoparietal and auditory networks. These effects are attributed to lycopene, an antioxidant that can cross the blood-brain barrier and potentially reduce neurological inflammation. While the findings suggest potential improvements in neural efficiency and increased levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), researchers noted limitations including a small imaging sample size and a lack of blinding. Further large-scale, long-term trials are required to confirm these results. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-11: Tomato consumption linked to improved cognitive function A University of Barcelona study suggests that daily tomato puree consumption can improve selective attention and associative memory due to the antioxidant properties of lycopene. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tomato-consumption-linked-to-improved-cognitive-function ### 2026-09-09: Spanish study links tomato paste consumption to improved cognitive function A Spanish study suggests daily tomato paste consumption may improve selective attention and memory in middle-aged adults by increasing lycopene levels and altering brain network connectivity. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/university-of-barcelona-study-links-tomato-paste-to-improved-brain-function --- Cite as: Study on tomato consumption and cognitive function. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/study-on-tomato-consumption-and-cognitive-function