Eating tomatoes may lower the risk of prostate cancer, according to the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.
A team of scientists from Bristol University together with colleagues from Cambridge and Oxford analyzed the diet and lifestyle of 20. Brits aged 50 to 69. As it turned out, men consuming more than 10 servings of tomatoes each week by 18 percent. they were less likely to develop prostate cancer. Both fresh tomatoes and tomato juice as well as dishes with tomato sauce, such as beans, were taken into account.
Eating the recommended five servings of vegetables and fruit a day by dietitians also reduced the risk of prostate cancer by 24 percent. compared with men who consumed 2,5 servings or less.
Experts believe that the anticancer properties of tomatoes are related to the red dye lycopene, which has antioxidant properties. It can protect the DNA of cells from damage.
Prostate cancer is also prevented by selenium (contained in flour products, e.g. pasta or bread) and calcium, an important source of which are dairy products.
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men. In Poland, it is detected every year in over 10 thousand. men, of which 40 percent. dies. As a prophylaxis, experts recommend a healthy diet, eating vegetables and fruits, maintaining a proper body weight and physical activity. (PAP)