Whether or not tomatoes are your favorite part of a salad (or pizza), there are certainly good reasons to include as many of them in your diet as possible. One of the greatest reasons is the fact that the lycopene that gives tomatoes their beautiful color is one of the most potent anti-cancer agents yet discovered by scientists.
Though researchers have been aware of lycopene’s powerful anti-cancer capabilities for over 30 years, more recently, a significant amount of research has gone into unlocking just how this compound can best be used as part of the cancer fighting arsenal.
LifeExtension Magazine notes that cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, affecting over 21 million Americans at any given time. The fact that lycopene can effectively prevent and treat cancer is therefore vitally important.
What is lycopene and how does it work?
Lycopene is found not only in tomatoes, but also in pink grapefruit, papaya and watermelon. It is a carotenoid – a type of pigment that gives some red fruits their beautiful hue. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals in the body, preventing DNA damage and helping cells to function optimally. (Related: Add tomatoes to your diet for numerous health benefits.)
As reported by FitDay, in addition to its cancer fighting credentials, lycopene has also been proven to reduce heart disease risk by 50 percent, reduce the risk of arteriosclerosis (a build-up of plaque in the arteries), protect the skin from UV radiation damage caused by excessive sun exposure, and fight the signs of aging. (MORE)
Source: Natural News
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