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TOMATOES PLAY A ROLE IN CANCER
PREVENTION
Earlier this year, Dr. Edward Giovannucci has published
his findings of a meta-analysis of seventy-two research studies describing the role of
tomatoes in cancer prevention. (J. National Cancer Institute, 1999, 91:317-31)
What do the studies indicate?
Majority of the studies showed a strong connection between higher tomato consumption and
lowered incidence of Cancer, particularly of the following sites: Prostate, Stomach and
Lung. Much of this beneficial effect is due to Lycopene, a carotenoid pigment found in
tomatoes. There may be other compounds and other interactions that have not been fully
understood.
Lycopene is a powerful anti-oxidant. It is found in
moderate amount in watermelon, pink grapefruit, guava and, of course, abundantly in
tomatoes. Tomatoes are also rich in vitamin C. Cooking and processing do not destroy
Lycopene and actually products such as spaghetti sauce and ketchup have more of available
Lycopene than raw tomatoes. Lycopene also has protective properties against Coronary Heart
Disease and macular degeneration associated blindness. Lycopene can be measured in human
plasma but at this time this is mostly done for research purposes. General recommendations
in the literature are to eat tomatoes and tomato based products. The redder the tomato the
better it is. Supplements are available as capsules for people with specific requirements.
So, here is one more reason for you to frequent your
friendly neighbourhood Pizza parlour. Alternately, you can prepare tomato rice, chutneys
and gravies at home on a regular basis. If you are fortunate enough to have a vegetable
garden, plant and use vine - ripe tomatoes in your preparation. However, be aware that
some arthritic patients may be allergic to tomatoes.
Tomatoes are inexpensive during certain periods in India.
Why not take advantage of this in the coming months?
For more in-depth information, visit the site
lycopene.org where you may even find a few fancy recipes.
- Dr. Uma P. Viswanathan,
M.D., C.C.N. |
