Lycopene and Prostate Cancer

Lycopene and Prostate Cancer in Foods and Prostate Cancer Survival - How Foods Fight Cancer

Part of the value of plant-based diets comes from the protective compounds
they contain. As we saw, carotenoids are a specific class of
antioxidants that includes lycopene, lutein, α-carotene and β-carotene. This
class of antioxidants is primarily found in vegetables and fruits. Lycopene
is considered one of the most potent antioxidants in the carotenoid family
and has been linked with reduced prostate cancer risk.9,10 The highest concentrations
of lycopene are in cooked tomato products, such as pasta sauce.

Smaller but significant amounts are also found in raw tomatoes, grapefruit,
watermelon, and guava. A 2004 meta-analysis evaluating lycopene and
prostate cancer risk concluded that high tomato and lycopene intake may
reduce prostate cancer risk by 10–20 percent.11 Diet intervention studies in
newly diagnosed patients with localized prostate adenocarcinoma have
found that consuming as little as 30 milligrams a day of lycopene in whole
food or supplement form may reduce serum PSA levels.12

The Bottom Line

While more research will be of great value, evidence already suggests that
men with prostate cancer—and their families—should be encouraged to
adopt a low-fat vegan diet. By boosting vegetables, fruits, beans, and
whole grains, and avoiding dairy products, meats, eggs, and fried foods,
men are able to take advantage of protective nutrients and avoid cancerpromoting
factors.

Recommended Recipes

Braised Kale 
Mushroom Gravy 
No-Meat Loaf 
Tomato, Cucumber, and Basil Salad