Men can significantly reduce their risk of developing prostate cancer by eating tomatoes or tomato-based foods a couple of times a week, according to results of a recent study of nearly 48,000 men. The health benefits of tomatoes are attributed to their high levels of the antioxidant lycopene. Results of this study found that men who consumed 18,780 micrograms (mg) of lycopene each day were 16% less likely to develop prostate cancer than men who consumed just 3,415 mg of the antioxidant. However, it isn’t just fresh tomatoes that deliver the benefits of lycopene, as men who ate two or more servings of tomato sauce each week were found to be 23% less likely to develop the disease, compared with men who ate ketchup once a month or less. Study leader Dr. Edward Giovannucci, recommends that men should increase their intake of fresh tomatoes and tomato-based foods instead of opting for lycopene dietary supplements.
SOURCE/ REFERENCE: Journal of the National Cancer Institute 2002; 94:391-398
