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Cancer and Nutrition - Tomatoes

Do Tomatoes Prevent and Fight Cancer?

Recent studies have hinted that tomatoes may be a cancer fighting powerhouse. People with an above average weekly consumption of tomato products were less likely to develop cancer, and those that did develop cancer were likely to have a slower-growing and less invasive type. These studies were first conducted on patients with prostate cancer, but it appears that the cancer fighting benefit of the tomato works on many types of cancer.

Scientist are not sure exactly how tomatoes work against cancer cells, but they have several theories. Lycopene, a naturally occurring antioxidant, is plentiful in tomatoes. Tomatoes are the best natural source for lycopene. Many doctors theorize that lycopene acts as a natural cancer fighter. While all antioxidants are thought to reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease, doctors are not sure why lycopene appears to be so effective. Tomatoes are very high in potassium, iron, and calcium, as well as vitamins A and C. Some researchers believe that the high levels of nutrients in the tomato work with lycopene to help the body fight cancer.

Are Lycopene Supplements Effective?

There are a variety of supplements available that contain lycopene. These lycopene supplements are not likely to cause harm to your health, but it is unknown whether they will provide the same level of protection as tomatoes. Remember, doctors are not sure why the tomato is such a successful cancer fighter, so they can not pinpoint exactly what ingredients in the tomato would need to be supplemented in order to provide the same level of protection.

Another problem with supplementing with pills instead of the whole food is that you miss out on the improved diet benefit of tomatoes. High in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, the tomato is a valuable addition to your diet. By adding it to your diet you are likely to reduce the amount of fatty or starchy foods you are eating.

Don't Like Tomatoes?

If you are not crazy about tomatoes or tomato containing foods, lycopene is available in a variety of other foods as well. Guava, watermelon, grapefruit, and apricots all contain lycopene. It is important to remember that while lycopene is a valuable antioxidant, it is not the sole nutrient that makes tomatoes such an effective tool against cancer. Doctors are not certain whether it is the combination of nutrients in tomatoes or some undiscovered nutrient in tomatoes that give them their cancer fighting ability. While all lycopene-rich foods are healthy and contain antioxidants and as well as vitamins and minerals that are necessary for a healthy diet, they will not replace tomatoes in their cancer fighting abilities.

How to Get the Most Health Benefits From Tomatoes

Studies on tomatoes as a cancer fighter and preventative measure have shown that some types of preparation are more effective than others. While any type of tomato, from raw to catchup has health benefits, the most effective way to supplement your diet with tomatoes is with tomatoes that are processed with oil, such as a tomato sauce. While it is not understood why this method is most effective, some theories propose the processing allows for the release of various nutrients and easier absorption of lycopene (or that the processed sauce provides a much more concentrated dose of the beneficial ingredients of the tomato).

Regardless of how you eat tomatoes, they are an extremely effective, economical, and a easy way to reduce your risk of developing cancer. Studies have indicated tomatoes may decrease the risk of developing cancer of the prostate, esophagus, mouth, digestive tract, breast, cervix and br,east.

Help After a Cancer Diagnosis

If you have already been diagnosed with cancer, it is not too late to add tomatoes to your diet. Patients that add tomatoes to their diet after a cancer diagnosis often have slower growing tumors and less invasive forms of the disease. Given the healthy nature of tomatoes and tomato based foods, you certainly will not do any harm by adding tomatoes or tomato rich products to the menu two to three times a week.

If you have questions or concerns about adding tomatoes and other lycopene rich foods to your diet after a cancer diagnosis, you can certainly speak with your doctor before adding these foods. Unlike soy or some other foods, there is little controversy surrounding tomatoes. While not every doctor will see the benefit of adding tomatoes to your diet, few, if any, will see any reason to avoid it.

Sources:

1. http://holisticonline.com/cancer/cancer_tomatoes-and-cancer.htm
2. http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news/tomatoes.html

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