Proponents of a holistic approach to health have long claimed that the tomato has ingredients to prevent cancer and healing cancers. Recently, there has been scientific confirmation of this information, especially in the field of prostate cancer treatment. Tomatoes can also reduce the risk of other types of cancer: lung cancer, stomach, pancreas, breast, cervix, large intestine, mouth and throat.
You just need to eat a lot of tomatoes to cure prostate cancer? Of course, no – the tomato will not cure cancer by itself, but in combination with other herbs and therapies, the tomato will increase the effectiveness of cancer treatment. Regular consumption of tomatoes may reduce the risk of prostate cancer and several other cancers. It was also found that tomatoes not only prevent cancer, but also contribute to a milder course of disease in men diagnosed with prostate cancer.
The anticancer properties of tomatoes result from the high lycopene content, which tomatoes owe their red color to. Lycopene is a strong, natural antioxidant that removes free radicals from the body, responsible for the development of cancer cells. Laboratory tests have shown that the action of lycopene in neutralizing free radicals is many times more potent than beta-carotene. It was also recognized that due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, lycopene reduces undesirable side effects of chemotherapy.
Lycopene is generally considered safe, non-toxic and does not give side effects. However, it is difficult to find scientific research on the use of lycopene during pregnancy.
The health benefits of eating tomatoes
In modern civilization, tomato is the main source of vitamins A and C. It also contains dietary fiber, beta-carotene, iron, lycopene, magnesium, niacin, potassium, phosphorus, riboflavin and thiamine. Tomato has low content of saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. Interesting is the fact that cooking or processing tomatoes is beneficial because it increases the concentration of lycopene. So, you do not have to limit yourself to raw tomatoes. You will benefit even more by eating processed tomatoes: tomato paste, tomato soup, tomato sauce, ketchup, tomato juice. The best are preserves made by yourself, without artificial additives and preservatives.
Tomatoes contain a large amount of citric acid, increase blood alkalinity and help remove toxins, especially uric acid from the body. Tomatoes are excellent as a liver cleanser, especially when used with green vegetable juices.
Tomatoes contain substances that improve eyesight. They can prevent blindness and macular degeneration. Due to the large amount of antioxidant lycopene, tomatoes effectively reduce the risk of cancer, especially lung, stomach and prostate cancer. The same lycopene is also beneficial for the circulatory system and reduces the risk of heart disease. Regular consumption of tomatoes reduces cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood and helps regulate the functioning of the digestive system. It also prevents jaundice and effectively removes toxins from the body.