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Attack of the Cancer Fighting Tomatoes

Copyright 2005 Michael Brooks

That's right, the colorful little fruit (yes, it's a fruit)
has been shown to pack a powerful punch against several
forms of cancer.

Copyright 2005 Michael Brooks

That's right, the 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 the risk of
prostate, lung and colon cancer. Not bad for a fruit that
was considered by many to be poisonous and inedible until
the 19th century.

What is the Active Ingredient?

The active ingredient that makes tomatoes such a formidable
opponent against cancer cells is the carotenoid called
Lycopene. Lycopene is the natural red pigment found in
tomatoes and tomato based products. The redder the tomato,
the more lycopene is present.

How does Lycopene Fight Cancer?

In the body, lycopene is deposited in the liver, lungs,
prostate gland, colon and skin. Its concentration in body
tissues tends to be higher than all other carotenoids. Some
organs, such as the 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 the 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 the damage they can do when
they react with important cellular components such as DNA,
or the cell membrane. Cells may function poorly or die if
this occurs.

Is there any Research on the 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 the 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 the men studied, 578 developed
prostate cancer versus 1294 control subjects. Lycopene was
the 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 the 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 the
onset of prostate cancer.

Giovannucci 1999 - Journal of the National Cancer Institute
This journal is a review of research studies available
regarding cancer risk (not just prostate cancer) and intake
of tomato based foods as well as blood lycopene levels.
After identifying 72 studies that fit these criteria, it
was found that an inverse relationship between tomato
intake or blood lycopene levels and cancer risk was
reported in 57 of them. Of these 57, it was found that 35
of these inverse relationships were statistically
significant. It was also found that cancer protection from
lycopene was strongest for prostate, colon and stomach
cancers, but also appeared to have some benefit in the
treatment of other cancers.

Rao et al. 1999 - Nutrition and Cancer
This study examined plasma and prostate lycopene levels in
cancer patients and a control group free of cancer. Though
only 12 patients were in each group, significantly lower
serum and prostate lycopene levels were found in those with
cancer. Levels of other carotenoid substances did not vary
between the groups.

Additional Benefits

In addition to fighting cancer, the lycopene found in
tomatoes has been associated with better mental activity in
old age and a reduced risk of heart disease. A University
of Maryland study found that tomatoes might protect the
eyes by hampering macular degeneration, a cause of vision
loss in older adults.

How do I get Lycopene into my body?

The best source of lycopene intake is through eating
tomato-based products. This is more effective than
supplementation. You will get the most lycopene through
concentrates and processed products such as tomato paste,
sauce, soup and canned tomatoes. Heating helps to release
lycopene and adding a little light olive oil will increase
absorption. Start packing your diet with more tomato based
recipes and begin enjoying the cancer fighting power of the
mighty tomato.

----------------------------------------------------
Mike Brooks has been a life long follower and proponent of
the fitness lifestyle. Through his avid research, Mr.
Brooks has come to the realization that being healthy is a
choice and encompasses not only proper diet but also a
fitness regimen that includes the mind, body and soul.
Mike Brooks is the publisher and editor-in-chief for the
health information site http://www.Ultimatehealthreport.com.

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