Another reason to have lots of sauce....

Studies find lycopene in tomatoes provides anti-cancer benefits


02/01/2006


Researchers say tomatoes can help improve health, with studies showing that tomatoes can reduce the risk of lung, stomach, and prostate cancers. The “colorful pigment” that makes tomatoes red, which is known as lycopene, doubles as a powerful “disease-fighting antioxidant,” and a study by researchers at Harvard University found that men who ate tomato sauce twice weekly reduced their risk of developing cancer by about one-third. Another study of men with advanced prostate cancer is underway at the Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic to determine whether lycopene may even help reverse the disease, with results expected later this year. The Sentinel notes that because the anti-cancer benefits of lycopene appear to be stronger when tomatoes are cooked and more lycopene is absorbed “when it’s accompanied by fat,” tomatoes that are cooked in sauce and paired with olive oil or cheese are most beneficial (Weaver, Vegetarian Times/Orlando Sentinel, 1/31).