Lycopene
Did you ever think that eating pizza could help prevent certain types of cancers?
Well recent research indicates, that eating 10 or more servings of cooked tomato products per week, can lower your risk of cancer by almost 50%. This exciting effect is produced by a nutrient called Lycopene. Lycopene is a red antioxidant, related to beta-carotene. It is the most efficient scavenger of a very destructive free radical called singlet oxygen. Lycopene is twice as effective than beta-carotene in neutralizing singlet oxygen. Lycopene protects organs like the prostate. Researchers found that the highest amount of Lycopene is found in healthy prostate tissue.
Lycopene also appears to help communication between cells. When healthy cells lose their ability to communicate, they are more prone to become malignant cancer cells. Additional research is now being done to better understand the role of Lycopene in disease prevention and treatment. One study found, that when men with prostate cancer were given Lycopene prior to surgery, their tumors had shrunk considerably.
In a six year study led by Dr. Edward Giovannucci published in the J. Nat'l Cancer Inst. 1995, it was found, that eating cooked tomato products accounted for over 90% of dietary Lycopene. The study, which followed the dietary habits of 48,000 men, found that it was the eating of cooked tomato products that provided the most available Lycopene - because cooking breaks down the tomato cell walls, releasing more Lycopene. The use of fats and oils in preparing tomato sauce enhances the absorption of this fat-soluble nutrient.
Studies of the effects of Lycopene found the following:
- Research at the Dana Farber Cancer Center found a reduction in prostate cancer. It was found that healthy prostate tissue have very high levels of Lycopene. While cancerous prostate tissue have very low levels.
- A 1990 study at the University of Illinois found, that women with the highest levels of Lycopene, could reduce five-fold the possibility of developing cervical cancer.
- Researchers at John Hopkins University reported, that men with the lowest levels of Lycopene, are 5 times more likely to develop prostate cancer.
- A clinical study published in 1990 by the Skin Cancer Prevention Study Group found, that Lycopene may protect skin from the damaging effects of ultra-violet rays.
- Researchers have found Lycopene to be more potent than beta-carotene in inhibiting lumen endometrial, mammary, and lung cancer cell growth.
- Lycopene is available as a vitamin supplement for those who cannot eat tomatoes or tomato sauce products. It is generally found in a 5mg dose. It is recommended to take a 5mg capsules twice daily.
Posted
by Dr. Steven Felder
