(NaturalHealth365)  Recent research has shown that daily consumption of tomatoes may help lower the risk of skin cancer and tumor growth, largely due to their lycopene content, a powerful antioxidant.  Lycopene, a carotenoid found in tomatoes, has been studied for its potential anticancer properties.

In a recent review, researchers highlighted lycopene’s ability to combat various forms of cancer, including skin cancer, by influencing several biological pathways.  These pathways involve modulating insulin-like growth factors, inhibiting the activity of sex steroid hormones, and regulating gene expression – all of which contribute to its anticancer effects.

Lycopene has also been shown to interfere with processes like cell proliferation, metastasis, angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels), and apoptosis (cell death), key factors in cancer development and progression.

Lycopene in tomato offers potent carotenoid benefits against skin cancer

Several studies have suggested that lycopene from tomatoes and other red fruits, such as watermelon and papayas, can significantly reduce the risk of various cancers, including skin, prostate, breast, and liver.  One review article, Lycopene as a Potential Bioactive Compound: Chemistry, Extraction, and Anticancer Prospective by Reema Abu Khalaf and Maha Awad, discusses how lycopene’s chemical structure and biological activity make it a promising candidate for cancer prevention.

In addition, research has shown that lycopene’s antioxidant properties are particularly beneficial in protecting the skin from UV-induced damage.  Lycopene and other carotenoids play a key role in shielding cells from oxidative stress caused by UV radiation, which is a major contributor to skin cancer.  Studies have found that incorporating lycopene-rich foods, such as tomatoes, into the diet may provide significant photoprotection, reducing the severity of skin damage from UV exposure

Non-melanoma skin cancer: Could tomato help?

Previous human studies have shown that tomato paste helps minimize sunburn’s effects.  This is likely because the lycopene and other carotenoids are deposited into the skin and could offer direct protective effects.

Again, lycopene is both the primary carotenoid found in tomatoes and a powerful antioxidant that protects the body at a cellular level.  However, other carotenoids may also contribute to tomatoes’ protective effect against UV exposure.

Of all cancer types, non-melanoma skin cancer is the most common – reaching (on average) over 3 million cases per year.  In fact, according to the American Cancer Society, each year, there are more cases of non-melanoma skin cancers than breast, lung, colon, and prostate cancers combined.

Bottom line: Eat more carotenoid-rich fruits and vegetables!

While non-melanoma skin cancer tends to have a low mortality rate, these cancers can be disfiguring and costly to treat.  And let’s not forget the mental-emotional toll.

The tomato study results point to the possibility of offering systemic protection against skin cancer through nutritional interventions like a tomato extract.  Simply put, good nutrition does matter.

Of course, eating more organic tomatoes is another way to enjoy their health benefits.  The delicious, versatile tomato can be cubed in salads, sliced on sandwiches, and cooked into main dishes.

One final point: the tomato is considered a ‘nightshade food.’  So, if you have arthritis or any other food-related health issues (allergies) – check with your holistic doctor before making any dietary changes.

Sources for this article include:

NIH.gov
Nature.com