Health and Nutrition
Introduction
Tomatoes belong to the same family as nightshade, the tomato's deadly cousin.
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Health Benefits
Nutritionists and other health professionals have long advocated the cancer preventative benefits of a diet high in fruits and vegetables. The findings of a Harvard research study support this recommendation and suggest that fresh tomatoes along with tomato based foods may be especially beneficial regarding prostate cancer risk.
It is always important to note however, that cancer risk is due to many factors of which diet is only one of them.
At this point it is too early to conclude that any one food can prevent cancer.
Study Results
In December 1995, the Journal of the National Cancer Institute in US published the results of a study conducted by Harvard University which showed an association between eating a diet rich in tomato-based foods and a decreased risk of prostate cancer.
The researchers surveyed the eating habits of over 47,000 men between the ages of 40-75 for six years and found that the consumption of tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato juice and pizza was associated with a reduced risk for developing prostate cancer.
Lycopene: Researchers argue that lycopene, an antioxidant nutrient found in large amounts in tomatoes, may be responsible for this possible protective effect.
Nutritionists and other health professionals have long advocated the cancer preventative benefits of a diet high in fruits and vegetables.
What are Lycopenes: Lycopenes are part of the family of pigments called carotenoids, which are natural compounds that create the colors of fruits and vegetables. For example, beta carotene is the orange pigment in carrots. Like essential amino acids, they are not made in the human body. Research shows that lycopenes are the most powerful antioxidant in the carotenoid family. Antioxidants, which includes vitamin C and E, are important in protecting the body from free radicals which degrade many parts of the body.