Attack of
Cancer Fighting Tomatoes By Michael BrooksThat’s right, colorful little fruit (yes, it’s a fruit) has been shown to pack a powerful punch against several forms of cancer. A variety of studies indicate that a diet rich in tomato based products (tomato paste, sauce, juice, soup and ketchup) can significantly reduce risk of prostate, lung and colon cancer. Not bad for a fruit that was considered by many to be poisonous and inedible until 19th century.
What is Active Ingredient?
The active ingredient that makes tomatoes such a formidable opponent against cancer cells is carotenoid called Lycopene. Lycopene is natural red pigment found in tomatoes and tomato based products. The redder tomato, more lycopene is present.
How does Lycopene Fight Cancer?
In body, lycopene is deposited in liver, lungs, prostate gland, colon and skin. Its concentration in body tissues tends to be higher than all other carotenoids. Some organs, such as testes and adrenal glands, store higher levels of lycopene than do other organs or tissues. Lycopene acts as a super antioxidant by picking up free radicals in body. Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms with an odd number of electrons and can be formed when oxygen interacts with certain molecules. Once formed these highly reactive radicals can start a chain reaction. Their primary danger comes from damage they can do when they react with important cellular components such as DNA, or cell membrane. Cells may function poorly or die if this occurs.
Is there any Research on Cancer fighting power of Lycopene?
Although more large-scale studies are needed before any definitive conclusions can be made, current research does suggest that lycopene from various tomato products is indeed associated with lowered risk of several types of cancers. Several published reports are listed below.
Gann et al. 1999 - Cancer Research The study examined initial plasma caroteniods (including lycopene) of 1872 men in 1982, and then followed them for 13 years. These men were randomly assigned to a placebo group or a group to receive beta-carotene and aspirin supplementation. Of men studied, 578 developed prostate cancer versus 1294 control subjects. Lycopene was only antioxidant with a significantly lower average blood level in those men with cancer as compared to those without cancer. In those men not receiving aspirin and beta carotene, plasma lycopene levels were very strongly related to a lower risk of developing prostate cancer. This study concluded that increased consumption of tomato products and other lycopene-containing foods may reduce onset of prostate cancer.
