A new research has shown men who eat tomatoes over 10 portions a week are likely to have 18 percent lower risk of developing prostate cancer.
A data shows 35,000 of new cases arising every year in UK, and a toll of 10,000 deaths due to this takes place. Prostate cancer ranks second most common among men worldwide.
It is seen that the rates are higher in developed countries which is considered linked to the diet pattern and lifestyle.
A study was conducted by the researchers at the Universities of Bristol, Cambridge and Oxford who observed the diets and lifestyle of 1,806 men aged between 50 and 69 with prostate cancer and compared with 12,005 cancer-free men.
The NIHR-funded study, published in the medical journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention, is the first study of its kind to develop a prostate cancer ‘dietary index’ which consists of dietary components — selenium, calcium and foods rich in lycopene — that have been linked to prostate cancer.
Men who had lower intake of these three were less likely to get prostate cancer.
Tomato juice and baked beans were found to be advantageous, with an 18 per cent reduction in risk found in men eating over 10 portions a week.
This is thought to be due to lycopene, an antioxidant which fights off toxins that can cause DNA and cell damage. Vanessa Er, from the School of Social and Community Medicine at the University of Bristol and Bristol Nutrition BRU, led the research.Studies suggest that tomatoes may be important in curbing prostate cancer; however some extensive studies are required to confirm it. Men should still maintain a healthy diet of vegetables and fruits to stay active and healthy.
Fruits, vegetables and dietary fibre are associated with reduced risk of prostate cancer.