Attack of the Cancer Fighting Tomatoes
That's right, the colorful little fruit (yes, it's a fruit) has been shown to pack a powerful punch against several forms of cancer. A variety of studies indicate that a diet rich in tomato based products (tomato paste, sauce, juice, soup and ketchup) can significantly reduce the risk of prostate, lung and colon cancer.
Not bad for a fruit that was considered by many to be poisonous and inedible until the 19th century.What is the Active Ingredient?The active ingredient that makes tomatoes such a formidable opponent against cancer cells is the carotenoid called Lycopene.
Lycopene is the natural red pigment found in tomatoes and tomato based products.
The redder the tomato, the more lycopene is present.How does Lycopene Fight Cancer?In the body, lycopene is deposited in the liver, lungs, prostate gland, colon and skin.
Its concentration in body tissues tends to be higher than all other carotenoids. Some organs, such as the testes and adrenal glands, store higher levels of lycopene than do other organs or tissues.
Lycopene acts as a super antioxidant by picking up free radicals in the body.
Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms with an odd number of electrons and can be formed when oxygen interacts with certain molecules. Once formed these highly reactive radicals can start a chain reaction.
Their primary danger comes from the damage they can do when they react with important cellular components such as DNA, or the cell membrane. Cells may function poorly or die if this occurs.Is there any Research on the Cancer fighting power of Lycopene?Although more large-scale studies are needed before any definitive conclusions can be made, current research does suggest that lycopene from various tomato products is indeed associated with the lowered risk of several types of cancers.
Several published reports are listed below.Gann et al. 1999 -
Cancer Research The study examined initial plasma caroteniods (including lycopene) of 1872 men in 1982, and then followed them for 13 years.
These men were randomly assigned to a placebo group or a group to receive beta-carotene and aspirin supplementation.
Of the men studied, 578 developed prostate cancer versus 1294 control subjects.
Lycopene was the only antioxidant with a significantly lower average blood level in those men with cancer as compared to those without cancer.
In those men not receiving the aspirin and beta carotene, plasma lycopene levels were very strongly related to a lower risk of developing prostate cancer.
This study concluded that increased consumption of tomato products and other lycopene-containing foods may reduce the onset of prostate cancer.Giovannucci 1999 - Journal of the National Cancer Institute This journal is a review of research studies available regarding cancer risk (not just prostate cancer) and intake of tomato based foods as well as blood lycopene levels.
After identifying 72 studies that fit these criteria, it was found that an inverse relationship between tomato intake or blood lycopene levels and cancer risk was reported in 57 of them.
Of these 57, it was found that 35 of these inverse relationships were statistically significant.
It was also found that cancer protection from lycopene was strongest for prostate, colon and stomach cancers, but also appeared to have some benefit in the treatment of other cancers.Rao et al.
1999 - Nutrition and Cancer
This study examined plasma and prostate lycopene levels in cancer patients and a control group free of cancer.
Though only 12 patients were in each group, significantly lower serum and prostate lycopene levels were found in those with cancer.
Levels of other carotenoid substances did not vary between the groups.
Additional Benefits
In addition to fighting cancer, the lycopene found in tomatoes has been associated with better mental activity in old age and a reduced risk of heart disease.
A University of Maryland study found that tomatoes might protect the eyes by hampering macular degeneration, a cause of vision loss in older adults.
How do I get Lycopene into my body?The best source of lycopene intake is through eating tomato-based products.
This is more effective than supplementation.
You will get the most lycopene through concentrates and processed products such as tomato paste, sauce, soup and canned tomatoes.
Heating helps to release lycopene and adding a little light olive oil will increase absorption.
Start packing your diet with more tomato based recipes and begin enjoying the cancer fighting power of the mighty tomato.
Copyright 2005 Michael Brooks.
Through his avid research, Mr. Brooks has come to the realization that being healthy is a choice and encompasses not only proper diet but also a fitness regimen that includes the mind, body and soul.
Mike Brooks is the publisher and editor-in-chief for the health information site http://www.Ultimatehealthreport.com.
Save On Food - Ten Ways
To save on food, be an opportunist. Buy what you like, but buy on sale. Do you need oranges every day? Buy them when they're cheap, then buy grapefruit or orange juice when it's on sale. Opportunism is the key to low-cost living in general. You get everything you like, and lots of variety, because everything goes on sale once in a while.
Here are ten more ways to get cheap food.1. Stock up during sales. We recently bought 20 or 30 cans of tomato paste on sale for 10 cents per can. That's cheap food. You can do this with all non-perishables.2.
Try store brands. Some are as good as name brands and some aren't, but all are cheaper. Test them, maybe without telling the kids. 3. Buy fruits and vegetables in season.
They are at their highest quality at the point where the price is the lowest. 4. Garden. Gardening can be a great way to stay in shape, and can help you save on food as well.5. Fruit trees.
Even if you don't like to garden, you can have a fruit tree...
Save On Food - Ten Ways
Fruit > Save On Food - Ten Ways
Trials and Tribulations of a fitness trainer
Feeling like the NASA rover, Spirit, I started January triumphant. Ah, that quest for perfection, that ever burning flame that drives us onward to test the perimeters of our well being/existence. Especially after lolling in holiday bliss. I was energized and fortified, with a couple of extra pounds to propel me with extra fire power. Running in the mountains of our upstate home, coming home and working out religiously and tending to the perfect diet another example of perfect technical prowess.
The first week of work back in the city routine went spectacularly. Until like the rover abruptly malfunctioning, a glitch? I developed laryngitis. I knew I hadn't been taking my vitamins and not enough vegetables over the holidays and was now compensating with a strict regime to stave off the dreaded cold or flu signs flashing ahead. The immune system was showing weakness, I stopped the exercise to fortify immunity. A week later, feeling better, my voice sounding less like broken violin...
Trials and Tribulations of a fitness trainer
Fruit > Trials and Tribulations of a fitness trainer
Attack of the Cancer Fighting Tomatoes
That's right, the colorful little fruit (yes, it's a fruit) has been shown to pack a powerful punch against several forms of cancer. A variety of studies indicate that a diet rich in tomato based products (tomato paste, sauce, juice, soup and ketchup) can significantly reduce the risk of prostate, lung and colon cancer.
Not bad for a fruit that was considered by many to be poisonous and inedible until the 19th century.What is the Active Ingredient?The active ingredient that makes tomatoes such a formidable opponent against cancer cells is the carotenoid called Lycopene.
Lycopene is the natural red pigment found in tomatoes and tomato based products.
The redder the tomato, the more lycopene is present.How does Lycopene Fight Cancer?In the body, lycopene is deposited in the liver, lungs, prostate gland, colon and skin.
Its concentration in body tissues tends to be higher than all other carotenoids. Some organs, such as the testes and adrenal glands, store...
Attack of the Cancer Fighting Tomatoes
Fruit > Attack of the Cancer Fighting Tomatoes
4 Great Diet Tips
4 Great Diet Tips
By Jeannie Crabtree
http://www.smartweightlossplan.com
Here are 4 diet tips we all need reminded of from time to time.
Diet Tip 1: Never eat standing up.
Mom was right. Sit down and eat your food! Never eat standing up. One of the easiest ways to sabotage your diet is to 'eat without thinking'. Fix yourself a plate. Sit down and eat properly.
You'll be less likely to just pop food into your mouth without paying attention.
Diet Tip 2: Fluids
Drinking plain water is always top choice on a diet. You can also drink flavored water instead of soda. Soda is nothing but empty calories. No nutrients, lots of sugar. Instead, grab a bottle of water flavored with a spritz of fruit.
Drink water. Even the FDA recommends at least 8 full 8 ounce glasses of water a day to keep your body working right.
When you're dieting, you should drink even more. It's...
Fruit > 4 Great Diet Tips