(NaturalHealth365) Tomatoes are a staple in many dishes, whether as a sauce on pizza or pasta, diced in a salad, or sliced as a topping.  However, these versatile vegetables offer more than just taste and texture.

Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful phytochemical that has been shown to fight cancer, including prostate cancer. But the benefits of lycopene don’t stop there.  Studies have also found that it can protect against Alzheimer’s disease and malaria and provide potent antioxidant benefits.

So let’s take a closer look at the magic of lycopene in tomatoes.

Are tomatoes an underappreciated cancer-fighting superfood?

One of the key compounds found in tomatoes is lycopene, a phytochemical that has been shown to help combat prostate cancer.  Studies have demonstrated that lycopene is a potent antioxidant that can prevent the formation and progression of cancer cells in the body.  As additional studies are conducted, it is becoming increasingly clear that lycopene is only one of several anticancer bioactive compounds in this vegetable, making it an excellent addition to any diet.

It’s important to note that the extent of the impact of lycopene on cancer prevention and treatment can vary depending on several factors, including duration and amount consumed, as well as the specific type of cancer.  This is why it’s crucial to make a concerted effort to consume tomatoes in a variety of forms, ranging from tomato sauce added to meals to diced tomatoes in a simple salad, guacamole with tomatoes, stuffed tomatoes cooked on the grill, and more.

While much of the research on lycopene’s efficacy has centered on its potential to improve prostate cancer outcomes, its role in preventing and combating other forms of cancer is still being explored.  As of the date of this publication, the medical community is aware that the nuanced mechanisms catalyzed after lycopene consumption improve treatment outcomes.  The data revealing the merits of lycopene stem from more than 70 studies conducted on humans and animals, with in vivo studies showing extensive anticancer activities.

In particular, lycopene mechanisms in vivo have been shown to regulate both inflammatory and oxidative processes, preventing the rapid cell division that occurs during prostate cancer and also preventing the formation of metastasis.  As more research is conducted, it’s likely that we’ll learn even more about this powerful compound and its potential to fight cancer and other diseases.

Unleash the power of lycopene: How to incorporate this anticancer compound into your diet

While most people associate lycopene with tomatoes, there are several other fruits and vegetables that contain this potent antioxidant.  Keep in mind, for people looking to avoid tomatoes in their diet, there are other food choices that contain lycopene.  For example, see below:

• Guavas
• Grapefruit
• Watermelon
• Papaya
• Persimmon
• Red bell peppers
• Red cabbage
• Asparagus
• Mangos

One of the easiest ways to add lycopene to your diet is by consuming tomato-based products such as tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and salsa.  But don’t limit yourself to just tomatoes!  Red bell peppers and red cabbage are excellent sources of lycopene and can be added to salads, stir-fries, or roasted for a tasty side dish.

While we know that lycopene has potent anticancer properties, the full extent of its benefits is still being explored.  Scientists continue to research the potential health benefits of this compound, and emerging research suggests that it may have anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular benefits as well.

By incorporating lycopene-rich foods into your daily diet, you can unleash the power of this amazing compound and enjoy a multitude of health benefits.  Whether you’re cooking up a tomato-based sauce, enjoying a refreshing watermelon salad, or snacking on a juicy grapefruit, you’ll be doing your body a healthy favor.

Sources for this article include:

NIH.gov
NIH.gov
NIH.gov
NIH.gov