After thorough medical research it has been proved that lycopene can lower the risk of certain types of cancer, especially that of prostate, lung and stomach cancer. Now, the question is that what lycopene is? Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant which is available in tomatoes and some other fruits and vegetables. Lycopene can block the action of free radicals and activates oxygen molecules that can damage the cells. It can help you to reduce the chances of cancer. Thus, most of the doctors suggest eating tomatoes, which is the most essential vegetable for every people, especially those who suffer from different types of cancer. You can eat tomato of different types, such as raw tomato, cooked tomato or tomato juice. But some study reports states that, cooked tomato products such as tomato sauce or puree supply more lycopene into the body than raw tomatoes.
What the research says?
If you thoroughly observe the research study, then you will find mixed reactions regarding tomatoes. But if you analyze all the reports, then you can come to a general conclusion that eating lycopene rich food such as tomatoes have a positive effect for the cancer patients.
John Erdaman, the professor of Food Science and Human Nutrition at The University of Illinois stated that tomato has a great source of different types of bioactive compounds which work as different anti cancerous pathways. Thus, it is very important for every one to make it a habit to eat tomatoes regularly. According to the reports of Professor Erdman on cancer research and Doctor Kirstie Canine Adams, a regular, nourishing diet containing 10 % tomatoes along with 10 % broccoli can damage the prostate cancer cells. The red pigments of tomato can also be considered as another most effective cancer preventive agent, which can be used as a supplementary dose of lycopene.
Doctor Canine Adams also states that people who are undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy should seriously consider including tomatoes in their everyday diet. He also added that every cancer patient should try to consume 2.5 cups of fresh tomatoes or 1 cup of tomato sauce or ½ cup of tomato puree on a regular basis.
Professor Erdman also stated that the supplements containing antioxidants such as lycopene may interfere with radiation therapy and chemotherapy during the cancer treatment. But eating food rich in antioxidants, such as tomato and broccoli combined together with all other foods are still considered safe during the treatment of prostate cancer. He also added that the combined actions of tomato and broccoli are able to stop the reproduction of tumor cell as rapidly. That is why, people who suffer from prostrate tumor, eating combined diet of tomato broccoli is an effective treatment for them. He also added in his research report that eating whole food is better than consuming their components. Thus, it is better to eat tomatoes than to take a lycopene supplement. He advises that cooked tomatoes are better than raw tomatoes because when you cook the tomato the water in them evaporates and the healthy nutrients of the same become more concentrated. This is thus better for the cancer patient.
The main hurdle
Eating tomato in a moderate amount as such does not cause much harm. Rather, it is considered safe for human beings. But excessive intake of tomatoes might create some problems such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion, gas and bloating. Thus, before starting to eating tomatoes every one must consult with the doctor and try to make an appropriate diet chart. Moreover, when the tomato grows in the fields, farmers use different types of chemicals and pesticides. Some times such chemicals might lead to adverse effect on the health when consumed. Thus, it is most important to wash and clean the tomatoes properly before eating.
What can be done
As a whole, tomato indeed has a great positive effect in our regular life. It not only helps to lower the risk of cancer, but can also give several other benefits too, such as improvement in the blood pressure level, maintenance of the regular cholesterol level, improvement in the glow of the skin etc. Thus, enjoy the benefits of lycopene along with other advantages too by eating more of tomato based food and processed tomato products.
