The cancer-fighting properties of tomatoes are thought to be due to lycopene, an antioxidant which can protect against DNA and cell damage.
Eat more tomatoes. Research confirms that the antioxidant lycopene, which is in tomatoes, may be more powerful than beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, and vitamin E. Lycopene is a cancer-fighting food associated with protection against certain cancers such as prostate and lung cancer.
One way to consider this is these studies focused on a chemical in tomatoes called lycopene. But there is no good evidence that lycopene reduces overall cancer risk or the risk of prostate cancer. Even so, tomatoes, like other fruits and vegetables, can still be part of a healthy balanced diet. Can eating sugar, including refined sugar, cause cancer?
Of the many human studies investigating tomatoes, lycopene and cancer risk, most are observational studies of populations. Early research linked tomato consumption and blood levels of lycopene to reduced prostate cancer risk, leading to a focus on the role of tomato consumption and this cancer.
You may be asking “Do tomatoes and lycopene reduce cancer risk?”
My answer is since tomato and lycopene consumption was first established as having a correlation with decreased cancer risk, there have been numerous studies demonstrating their benefits.
Can Tomatoes help prevent prostate cancer?
The study found that increased consumption of tomatoes (as well as other plant based foods) led to decreased risk and a general protective effect against prostate cancer. Another study used men with recently diagnosed prostate tumors who were given 15 mg of lycopene twice daily for three weeks before the surgical removal of the tumor.
Do tomatoes and lycopene prevent prostate cancer?
The latest analysis of the global research, released in our Continuous Update Project report on prostate cancer, found the evidence is now much less clear. The report found that current evidence does not support a clear link between tomatoes (or other lycopene-containing foods like watermelon) and lower risk for prostate cancer.
Are tomatoes good for You?
These plant foods may also help people stay a healthy weight, which offers protection from at least a dozen cancers. Of the many human studies investigating tomatoes, lycopene and cancer risk, most are observational studies of populations.
We discovered tomatoes are known to have positive effect in preventing the skin cancer by protecting skin against UV damage. Resent data show that the same phytochemicals from tomato are beneficial in reducing the risk of other cancers as well.
What foods can help fight cancer?
A large study including nearly half a million people found that eating more whole grains may lower the risk of colorectal cancer, making them a top item in the category of foods to fight cancer. Oatmeal, barley, brown rice, and whole-wheat bread and pasta are all examples of whole grains.