Lycopenes From Tomatoes Are Active Against The Range Of Various Cancers

Breast And Cervical Cancer

Today, breast cancer is in fact the most common form of cancer affecting women and the most prevalent cause of death amongst female cancer patients. Researchers and scientists have estimated that 40% of all breast cancer cases could be prevented merely by including more plant-based foods in one’s diet. Alongside broccoli, onions, carrots, garlic, chili peppers and various fruits, the tomato is one of the most potent in its anti-cancerous effects. One study highlighted that breast cancer cells treated with lycopene resulted in the improvement of DNA repair, reduction and deceleration of cancer cell replication and increased death of cancer cells. Lycopene has also been shown to reduce the amount of oxidative stress in the breast tissue itself and to stimulate the natural anti-oxidant enzymes in this tissue.

Lycopene has also been indicated in reducing women's risk of developing cervical cancer. 

Lung And Colon Cancer

Lycopene has also proved promising in the prevention of lung cancer as lung tissue has high oxidative stress exposure when we breathe. This carotenoid has been shown to reduce the DNA damage in lung cells that could otherwise lead to cancer. Another study highlighted that those individuals with the highest concentration of lycopene in their blood were 28% less likely to develop lung cancer.

Prevention of colon cancer too has been associated with lycopene intake. It has been clearly demonstrated that supplementation of lycopene 30 mg/day in individuals with a family history of colon cancer decreases IGF-1 concentrations which could potentially stimulate cancer cell growth in the region. This effect through supplementation could similarly be achieved by simply consuming more cooked tomatoes or tomato based products, as just one glass of tomato juice (250 ml) contains 25 mg of lycopene.

Lycopene Absorption

Probably one of the most important things to note when looking to naturally increase your lycopene intake is that eating raw tomatoes is ineffective at boosting serum levels of lycopene by itself. This is simply because the fiber content of the tomato interferes with lycopene bioavailability and absorption in the human body. So, the best way of getting the most out of your tomatoes is to cook them in some way or buy them in processed form. Pasta sauces, tomato based curries, and even juicing are all excellent ideas and, in addition adding things like chili sauces, ketchup, or more general tomato sauces to your foods will certainly bring the figure up. Some examples: 125 ml (or ½ cup) of pasta sauce provides 27 mg of lycopene, 2 tablespoons of chili sauce provides on average 6.7 mg of lycopene and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste provides 13.8 mg. On the other hand, 1 medium raw tomato consumed whole will provide a mere 3.7 mg of lycopene as your body will not absorb it all.

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Plant based diets involving a vast array of fruits and vegetables are in general superior for the disease prevention. This comes as good news to all the vegetarians out there, however the most important thing to remember is that the preparation of the vegetable or fruit is what is vital in getting the benefits from it. Studies have shown that supplementation of lycopene is also a viable method. However, if you're not keen on spending money for something which you can buy at your local grocery store or supermarket, then start eating tomatoes – you won't regret it.