Tomato can be an ally against cancer; See why

Lycopene has been in the sights of science for decades for its anticancer and cardioprotective effects. In addition to tomatoes, it appears in fruits and vegetables such as watermelon, guava, pepper, pitanga, papaya and pepper.

In a study Posted in February in the journal Frontiers in NutritionIran researchers have gripped hundreds of other research and concluded that ordinary lycopene consumption, through tomatoes and its derivatives, is related to decreased risk of cancer. The article stresses breast and prostate tumors.

Other research has already shown that the substance helps reduce cell damage due to antioxidant action. The mechanism involves the ability to neutralize free radicals, orbitals unpaired molecules that need electrons to stabilize, and which are behind cellular losses.

This does not mean, however, that the substance alone is able to avoid the disease. “Reducing the risk of cancer and other diseases involves the entire lifestyle,” says Nutrologist Celso Cukier of Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein. It means that it is no use eating lycopene and other beneficial nutrients if your diet is based on products full of fat, sugar and sodium, for example; Or if you are sedentary, smoke, drink and live stressed.

In Cukier’s view, another factor that may have influenced the research result is that those who like tomatoes tend to eat other vegetables as well, in a balanced food context.

But that does not take the merits of the red fruit. “Tomato offers various nutrients and protective compounds,” says the nutrologist. Among them, vitamins, especially C and folic acid, as well as minerals such as potassium and other antioxidant substances that act together.

Regarding the lycopene, the tomato stands out among the other sources. This is because, unlike watermelon and pitanga, which are usually consumed in natura, it serves as a raw material for sauces that increase pasta, pizzas and the like.

Unlike many compounds, when cooking the lycopene is better used by the human organism. When it goes to the pan, the rupture of structures that hold the substance, which is then released. In addition, the lycopene gets along well in oily means. Therefore, gathering it with olive oil, for example, favors the so-called bioavailability, ensuring absorption in the gut.

Although lycopene is celebrated by anticancer action, other works also point out their effects on cardiovascular protection. The same antioxidant potential helps to safeguard the artery wall, the endothelium, reducing the risk of evils such as atherosclerosis.

A colorful family

Licopeno is part of the carotenoids, a group of pigments that have over 700 members. In nature they act as a kind of shield against adversity, including sudden temperature changes, nutrient and water shortage.

For this reason, carotenoids are classified as secondary metabolites, that is, they are synthesized by vegetables in response to stress conditions. When coloring fruits and vegetables, these pigments also help to arouse the attention of birds and insects, contributing to the dispersion of seeds and the perpetuation of species.

In our body, they offer several benefits. The tip to ensure that it is not missing is to assemble the dish as colorful as possible. Check out other famous members of the carotenoid family and where to find them:

Alfacarotene : This is a precursor of vitamin A, a nutrient indispensable to immunity.

Pumpkin and carrot are sources.

Beta -carotene : Another very popular carotenoid. Like the alfacarotene, it becomes vitamin A. Its conversion is due to the performance of enzymes and happens in the intestinal mucosa. There it is broken and goes to circulation. Hence it acts as retinol, another nickname for the vitamin, ally of bones and eyes.

Acerola, Cashew and Cantaloupe Melon offer the beta carotene.

Cryptoxantine : One more of the carotenoids that turns into vitamin A in our body. Therefore, it is essential for skin cells and even strengthens the immune system.

Nectarine, peach and nies are sources options.

Lutein : Thanks to its antioxidant power, this carotenoid is another tissue protector of our body, especially the retina.

Cabbage, arugula and broccoli are examples of suppliers of the substance.

Zeaxantine : Along with lutein, this substance helps to remove macular degeneration, a problem that mainly afflicts the elderly.

Passion fruit, pequi and corn contain zeaxanthin.

Ketogenic diet can help in the treatment of pancreatic cancer

This content was originally published in tomatoes can be an ally against cancer; See why on the CNN Brazil website.

Source: CNN Brasil