The superfood that goes after cancer

Eating the right fruits and vegetables is not only invaluable for better health, it can save your life. A study in England shows one food in particular may save you from devastating cancerous developments.

The study examined the meals and snacks of about 14,00 men aged 50 to 69. It showed that eating 10 portions of tomatoes weekly can cut the risk of prostate cancer by 18 percent.

In addition, the researchers took a look at how foods rich in the minerals selenium and calcium along with lycopene influence with the risk of prostate cancer. (Lycopene is an antioxidant substance called a carotenoid that gives tomatoes their red color.)

Foods rich in selenium include Brazil nuts, eggs, sunflower seeds and mushrooms. Calcium-rich foods include dairy products, sardines and dark leafy greens like kale as well as spinach.

But in this research, tomato and tomato products (like spaghetti sauce) were found to have the most anti-cancer benefits.

“Our findings suggest that tomatoes may be important in prostate cancer prevention. However, further studies need to be conducted to confirm our findings, especially through human trials. Men should still eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, maintain a healthy weight and stay active,” says researcher Vanessa Er, who is with the School of Social and Community Medicine at the University of Bristol.

It is estimated that more than 15 percent of all men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some time in their lives. More than 2.7 million men are living with prostate cancer in the U.S. today.

Carl Lowe

By Carl Lowe

has written about health, fitness and nutrition for a wide range of publications including Prevention Magazine, Self Magazine and Time-Life Books. The author of more than a dozen books, he has been gluten-free since 2007.

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