NewsTomatoes in the fight against prostate cancer: The lycopene link

Tomatoes in the fight against prostate cancer: The lycopene link

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19 April 2024 09:52

Is there a way to reverse the risk of prostate cancer? Dr. Michael Mosley, the renowned creator of the Fast 800 diet, and Prof. Richard van Breemen from Oregon State University shed some light on this topic in the latest episode of a BBC podcast. They believe tomatoes play a "significant" role in maintaining prostate health.

The role of lycopene in protecting the prostate

Dr. Mosley, highlighting his personal concerns about prostate cancer, pointed to numerous studies suggesting that consuming tomatoes can decrease the risk of this disease.

Professor van Breemen focused on the unique properties of lycopene found in tomatoes, underlining its potency as an antioxidant potentially crucial in cancer prevention. Despite over twenty years of research into lycopene, he remarked that many areas still need further exploration.

Among several promising studies, the professor underlined one long-term study involving doctors, which found that those who consumed the highest amounts of lycopene were less likely to develop prostate cancer.

Van Breemen also mentioned that the prostate has a limited capacity to regenerate DNA compared to other organs, which, over time, may contribute to the onset of cancers. According to the expert, lycopene is vital in minimizing early DNA damage.

A recent edition of the journal Nutrients, published in 2022, presented articles confirming lycopene's positive effects on health, particularly regarding the battle against prostate cancer. However, the researchers emphasized the need for more studies to establish the ideal daily amount of lycopene for preventative purposes.

Processed tomatoes

Both experts unanimously concluded that consuming tomatoes post-thermal processing, such as in sauce form, is the most beneficial for lycopene absorption. Heat treatment enhances the bioavailability of lycopene, making it easier for the body to absorb.

Nonetheless, this does not diminish the advantages of consuming raw tomatoes, which are also a valuable source of lycopene, albeit absorbed in slightly smaller quantities.