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Cancer InformationAttack of the Cancer Fighting Tomatoes
by:
Michael Brooks
Copyright 2005 Archangel
Brooks
That’s right, the colorful little fruit (yes, it’s a fruit) has been shown to pack a powerful punch against several forms of cancer. A variety of studies indicate that a diet rich in tomato based products (tomato paste, sauce, juice, soup and ketchup) can importantly
reduce the risk of prostate, respiratory organ
and colon cancer. Not bad for a fruit that was considered by galore to be poisonous and indigestible until the Nineteenth century.
What is the Active Ingredient?
The active ingredient that does tomatoes such a formidable opponent against cancer cells is the pigment called Lycopene. Carotenoid
is the natural red pigment found in tomatoes and tomato based products. The redder the tomato, the much carotenoid
is present.
How does Carotenoid
Fight Cancer?
In the body, carotenoid
is deposited in the liver, lungs, prostate gland, colon and skin. Its concentration in body tissues tends to be higher than all another carotenoids. Several organs, such as the testes and adrenal glands, store higher levels of carotenoid
than do another organs or tissues. Carotenoid
acts as a super inhibitor
by picking up free radicals in the body. Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms with an odd number of electrons and can be formed once
o interacts with certain molecules. Once formed these extremely
reactive radicals can start a chain reaction. Their primary danger comes from the damage they can do once
they react with important cellular components such as DNA, or the cell membrane. Cells may function poorly or die if this occurs.
Is there any Research on the Cancer fighting power of Lycopene?
Although much large-scale studies are needful before any definitive conclusions can be made, current research does suggest that carotenoid
from various tomato products is so
associated with the down
risk of several types of cancers. Several promulgated reports are listed below.
Gann et al. 1999 - Cancer Research
The study examined initial plasma caroteniods (including lycopene) of 1872 men in 1982, and then followed them for 13 years. These men were indiscriminately allotted to a placebo group or a group to obtain beta-carotene and acetylsalicylic acid supplementation. Of the men studied, 578 developed prostate cancer versus 1294 control subjects. Carotenoid
was the only inhibitor
with a importantly
lower average blood level in those men with cancer as compared to those without cancer. In those men not receiving the acetylsalicylic acid and beta carotene, plasma carotenoid
levels were really powerfully
related to a lower risk of developing prostate cancer. This study complete that accrued consumption of tomato products and another lycopene-containing foods may reduce the onset of prostate cancer.
Giovannucci 1999 - Journal of the National Cancer Institute
This journal is a review of research studies accessible regarding cancer risk (not simply prostate cancer) and intake of tomato based foods as well as blood carotenoid
levels. After distinguishing 72 studies that fit these criteria, it was found that an inverse relationship between tomato intake or blood carotenoid
levels and cancer risk was according in 57 of them. Of these 57, it was found that 35 of these inverse relationships were statistically significant. It was besides found that cancer protection from carotenoid
was strongest for prostate, colon and stomach cancers, but besides appeared to have several benefit in the treatment of another cancers.
Rao et al. 1999 - Nutrition and Cancer
This study examined plasma and prostate carotenoid
levels in cancer patients and a control group free of cancer. Although only 12 patients were in each group, importantly
lower blood serum and prostate carotenoid
levels were found in those with cancer. Levels of another pigment substances did not vary between the groups.
Additional Benefits
In addition to fighting cancer, the carotenoid
found in tomatoes has been associated with better mental work in old age and a reduced risk of heart disease. A University of Maryland study found that tomatoes mightiness protect the eyes by hampering macular degeneration, a cause of vision loss in older adults.
How do I get Carotenoid
into my body?
The better source of carotenoid
intake is through feeding tomato-based products. This is much effective than supplementation. You wish get the most carotenoid
through concentrates and processed products such as tomato paste, sauce, soup and canned tomatoes. Heating helps to release carotenoid
and adding a little light olive oil wish increase absorption. Start packing your diet with much tomato based recipes and begin enjoying the cancer fighting power of the mighty tomato.
Just about the author:
Microphone Brooks has been a life long follower and advocate of the fitness lifestyle. Through his avid research, Mr. Brooks has move to the realization that being healthy is a select and encompasses not only proper diet but besides a fitness regime that includes the mind, body and soul. Microphone Brooks is the publisher and editor-in-chief for the health information site http://www.Ultimatehealthreport.com
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