Discover the Facts About Lycopene and Prostate Cancer

Discover the Facts About Lycopene and Prostate Cancer
by Roger Franklin

ability to neutralize free radicals. If left unchecked, free radicals damage DNA which in
turn damages cells and tissues and leads to cancers and premature aging.

Normally free radicals are produced as a result of normal metabolism. However, their
production can be increased to dangerous levels as a result of ultraviolet radiation,
tobacco smoke, chemicals and other toxins.

Prior to about 2005, most research suggested that it had a protective effect against
prostate malignancies. However a large study published in 2007 with data derived
from 28000 men could not find any protective effect.

The story of lycopene and prostate cancer does not end there however. In 2008
research from the University of Missouri suggested that the malignancy fighting
potential of tomato products depended on the form of the tomato product.

In their study they found that tomato paste plus another product from dehydrated
tomatoes called "FruHis" had a significantly protective effect against cancer of the
prostate in rats.

And there it is - the debate continues and the question now becomes what is the
ordinary person to do given these conflicting opinions? Personally I would tend
towards the view that it is a protective compound even though some of the details
may still be under debate.

So whether the situation regarding lycopene and prostate cancer was resolved or
not, I would still not treat it as a silver bullet but take it as part of a multi ingredient
product in which the different components work together to provide the benefits that
one needs.

We know for example that green tea and resveratrol have some malignancy fighting
effects. So taking a supplement that contains both these ingredients is a good
strategy and adding a powerful antioxidant such as lycopene can only increase its
potency.

The best strategy is to take a multiple ingredient supplement. There are some that
contain at least 90 ingredients including trace elements, ginko biloba, multi-vitamins,
resveratrol, policosanol, lutein, zeaxanthin, and many others.

If you would like to know more then please visit my website.

About The Author

Roger Franklin is a writer, researcher and passionate user of natural health products
at GoodHealthToGo. Please visit for more info and
to learn about the products that we use that contain lycopene.

The research regarding lycopene and
prostate cancer has been
controversial to say the least. Many
studies have shown that it is helpful
against cancer of the prostate while
one large study led the researchers
to conclude that there was no effect.

Lycopene is a bright red compound
found in tomatoes and other colored
fruit. It is one of the most powerful
antioxidants there are being one
hundred times more powerful than
Vitamin E.

The value of antioxidants lies in their

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The content on
this website is for educational purposes only. Please consult with your physician before using natural
remedies and before making any drastic changes to your diet or exercise program.