What if a simple tomato drink could give your daily diet a nutritious boost? Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a naturally occurring carotenoid with antioxidant properties, along with vitamin C, potassium, and other plant compounds.
You may see claims online that drinking tomato juice for just three days can give you “zero cholesterol,” eliminate arthritis, or completely remove fatigue. Those claims go far beyond what the evidence supports. Studies have investigated tomatoes and lycopene for cardiovascular health, but results have been inconsistent, and there is no evidence that a tomato drink can eliminate cholesterol or arthritis in a few days.
Still, a homemade tomato drink can be a refreshing way to add more vegetables and nutrients to your diet.
Simple Tomato Drink
Ingredients
- 2 ripe tomatoes
- ½ cup cold water
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- A small pinch of black pepper
- A small pinch of salt, optional
- A few fresh basil or mint leaves, optional
Instructions
- Wash the tomatoes thoroughly and cut them into quarters.
- Add the tomatoes and cold water to a blender.
- Add the lemon juice and a small pinch of black pepper.
- Blend until smooth.
- Strain if you prefer a thinner, smoother drink.
- Taste and add a very small amount of salt if desired.
- Serve immediately over ice or refrigerate briefly before drinking.
Why Tomatoes Are Worth Including in Your Diet
1. They Provide Lycopene
Lycopene is the red pigment responsible for much of the characteristic color of ripe tomatoes. Research has examined its potential relationship with cardiovascular health and other health outcomes.
However, studies do not all reach the same conclusions. A 2026 umbrella review found evidence of possible cardiovascular benefits, particularly regarding blood pressure, while findings for blood lipids were inconsistent.
2. They Can Be Part of a Heart-Healthy Diet
Tomatoes can easily fit into an eating pattern rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and other minimally processed foods.
Some intervention studies have reported improvements in cholesterol measures after tomato consumption, while other systematic reviews have found no significant overall effects. This is why tomatoes should be viewed as one nutritious food—not a treatment for high cholesterol.
3. They Add Nutrients Without Being Heavy
Fresh tomatoes are relatively low in calories and provide water, vitamin C, potassium, and carotenoid compounds. A homemade tomato drink can therefore be a refreshing alternative to sugary beverages.
What About Arthritis?
Tomatoes should not be described as a cure for arthritis.
Arthritis includes several different conditions with different causes and treatments. While tomatoes contain compounds that have been studied for their antioxidant and inflammatory effects, drinking tomato juice for three days has not been shown to eliminate arthritis or permanently stop joint pain.
For persistent joint swelling, stiffness, or pain, the underlying cause should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Can Tomato Juice Eliminate Cholesterol?
No.
Your body needs cholesterol for important functions, but excessively high levels of certain blood lipids—particularly LDL cholesterol—can increase cardiovascular risk.
Some studies have reported modest improvements in cholesterol after tomato or lycopene consumption, while other systematic reviews have found inconsistent results.
If you have high cholesterol, a tomato drink can be part of a healthy diet, but it should not replace prescribed cholesterol medication or a treatment plan recommended by your healthcare professional.
What About Fatigue?
A tomato drink can provide fluids and nutrients, but it is not a guaranteed treatment for fatigue.
Persistent tiredness can have many possible causes, including inadequate sleep, anemia, nutritional deficiencies, stress, infections, thyroid problems, medication effects, and other medical conditions.
If fatigue continues or is accompanied by symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, unexplained weight loss, fainting, or significant weakness, medical evaluation is appropriate.
A Better Way to Think About the “Three-Day” Claim
You may notice that you feel better after adding a nutritious drink to your routine, especially if it replaces a sugary beverage or helps you stay hydrated. But that does not mean cholesterol has disappeared or arthritis has been cured.
Meaningful changes in cholesterol, blood pressure, weight, or chronic disease generally require a broader and sustained approach rather than a three-day remedy.
Simple Ways to Make Your Tomato Drink Healthier
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes.
- Avoid adding large amounts of salt.
- Don’t add sugar.
- Use lemon or fresh herbs for extra flavor.
- If using packaged tomato juice, check the sodium content.
- Pair it with an overall diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and other nutrient-dense foods.
Final Thoughts
A homemade tomato drink can be a refreshing and nutritious addition to your daily routine, especially because tomatoes provide lycopene and other beneficial plant compounds.
But there is no reliable evidence that drinking it for three days will produce “zero cholesterol,” cure arthritis, or completely eliminate fatigue. The real benefit comes from making tomatoes part of a balanced eating pattern over time—not treating them as a quick cure.
If you have high cholesterol, arthritis, or unexplained fatigue, use nutritious foods to support your health while addressing the underlying condition appropriately.