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February 1, 2006
Tomatoes: Protect the prostate
Scientists have known for years that regularly eating tomato-based foods can reduce a man's risk of prostate cancer by up to 35 percent. More recently, studies have shown that men who already have prostate cancer may benefit as well. When researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago fed one serving of pasta with tomato sauce every day for three weeks to 32 men who were scheduled for prostate surgery, the levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the patients' blood dropped by nearly 20 percent. (PSA is a measure of prostate-cancer-cell activity, so the lower the level, the less active the cancer cells.) The likely active ingredient in tomatoes is lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that is thought to also be protective against lung and stomach cancers. In an interesting twist, fresh tomatoes don't appear to be as protective as cooked tomatoes. Men with prostate cancer should try to eat cooked tomatoes daily, in soups, chilies, marinara and spaghetti sauces, or other dishes. Those trying to prevent the disease should indulge twice a week.
Posted by Lisa at February 1, 2006 8:33 AM
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