Monday, July 19, 2010

Tomato Lycopene in Preventing Prostate Cancer and Breast Cancer

Lycopene, the main active ingredient in tomatoes is very beneficial for health, besides functioning as a natural antioxidant, prevent prostate cancer in older men and breast cancer for women as well as reduce the occurrence of osteoporosis.

Tomato fruit (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill) is an edible plant part containing the seeds. Tomatoes also contain many vitamins (A and C) and anti-disease compounds that are good for health, especially lycopene, fat and calories in a low number, free cholesterol which is a source of good fiber and protein. The main pigment in tomatoes is lycopene and carotene which the temperature has an important role in the formation of lycopene. If the temperature rises it will be many more lycopene is formed. Besides tomatoes are rich in beta carotene, potassium and the antioxidant lycopene. One medium-size tomatoes contain nearly half the limit of the amount of daily vitamin C requirement for adults.

Lycopene IN TOMATO
Lycopene is a natural substance found in large quantities in tomatoes and red fruits such as watermelon, papaya and guava. Lycopene is a carotenoid such as beta-carotene groups most commonly found in food. Lycopene in tomatoes is influenced by differences in the process of maturation and varieties (eg red varieties contain more lycopene than yellow). Lycopene acts as an antioxidant and has influence in lowering the risk of various chronic diseases including cancer. Lycopene in tomato increases in the body if the tomatoes are processed into juice, sauce and others.

Lycopene content of tomato paste produced by the Center of Agriculture also has been analyzed and compared with the content of lycopene in fresh tomatoes raw materials. The results show an increase in lycopene than fresh tomatoes until thick tomato paste. Lycopene per 100 grams of fresh tomatoes is 4.28 mg, 31.09 mg diluted tomato paste, tomato paste were 50.93 mg and 67.25 mg of condensed tomato paste.

Lycopene FOR HEALTH BENEFITS
Our bodies naturally have a series of network antioxidants that can help protect the body. However, the body can not produce in sufficient quantities, so need a diet rich in fruits and vegetables are very good as a source of antioxidants, vitamin E, vitamin C and various carotenoids like beta carotene and lycopene.

Habit of consuming foods rich in carotenoids have long been linked with various health benefits including its ability to protect the body from oxidative damage. Lycopene proven as an effective antioxidant, which means having the ability to prevent free radical damage to cells. As an antioxidant, lycopene are two times more effective than beta carotene in protecting white blood cell membranes from damage by free radicals. Once absorbed by the body, lycopene is stored in the liver, lung, prostate, colon and skin. Concentration in the tissue in the body tend to be higher than other carotenoids.

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