Cancer and a colorful little fruit has been shown to pack a powerful punch against several types 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 considered poisonous and inedible by many until the 19th century.
To beat cancer what is the Active Ingredient in Tomato ?
The active ingredient that makes tomatoes a strong competitor against cancer cells is a carotenoid, also known as lycopene.
Lycopene is the natural red pigment found in tomatoes and tomato-based products. Lycopene is responsible for the red color of tomatoes, the redder the tomato, the more lycopene it contains.
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How does Lycopene Fight Cancer?
In the body, lycopene accumulates in the prostate, liver, lungs, glands, skin, and colon. Its concentration in body tissues is higher than that of 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 scavenging free radicals in the body. Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms with an odd number of electrons and can form when oxygen interacts with certain molecules. They can initiate a chain reaction if, once they become highly reactive radicals, 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 die or function poorly 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
In 1982, the study examined the initial plasma carotenoids (including lycopene) of 1872 men and then followed them for 13 years. These men were randomly assigned to one group to receive beta-carotene (placebo group) and aspirin supplementation. Of the men studied, 578 developed prostate cancer compared with 1,294 control subjects. Lycopene was the only antioxidant in which mean blood levels were significantly lower in men with cancer than in men 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. The study concluded that high consumption of tomato products and other foods containing lycopene may reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer.
Giovannucci 1999 – Journal of the National Cancer Institute
This journal reviews available research studies on cancer risk (not just prostate cancer) and 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 important.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 evaluated plasma and prostate lycopene levels in cancer patients. Though only 12 patients were in each grouplower serum and prostate lycopene levels were found in those with cancer. All other Levels of carotenoid substances did not differ between groups.
Additional Benefits of Tomatoes
In addition to fighting cancer, the lycopene found in tomatoes has been linked to better brain function 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.
Read More: Health Benefits of Lycopene
How do I Get Lycopene into Body?
The best source of lycopene intake is eating tomato-based products. It is more effective and active than supplementation. You’ll get the most lycopene from concentrates and processed products such as tomato paste, sauces, soups and canned tomatoes. Heating helps release the lycopene and adding a little light olive oil increases absorption. Start packing your diet with more tomato-based recipes and begin enjoying the cancer-fighting power of the mighty tomato.
