Tomato: its red pigment, a natural anti-cancer?

Tomatoes are not only a staple in our salads and sauces, they are also a superfood with amazing powers. Its red pigment, lycopene, is attracting more and more attention from researchers for its potential benefits against cancer.

Find out how this natural component, also found in watermelons and grapefruits, could help us stay healthy and prevent certain forms of cancer.

The red pigment in tomatoes, called lycopene, is known for its antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. Scientific studies have shown that lycopene can protect against several forms of cancer, including pancreatic, lung and prostate cancer.

Scientific research

In 1999, a study by an epidemiologist and Harvard University professor showed that lycopene can protect against several forms of cancer, the study was published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Recent research supports this theory, particularly a study published in late 2018 in Cancer Prevention Research.

Lycopene is a pigment found naturally in plants, including tomatoes, watermelons, grapefruits and guavas. It has strong antioxidant power, meaning it can protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

The benefits of lycopene

In addition to its anti-cancer properties, lycopene has several other health benefits. It contributes to cardiovascular health by reducing the risk of heart disease. In fact, its antioxidant properties help prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, a leading cause of atherosclerosis. Additionally, lycopene has been linked to reduced inflammation and improved skin health, providing protection against UV damage.

To increase your lycopene intake, incorporate more tomatoes and tomato products into your diet. Fresh tomatoes, tomato sauces, soups, and even tomato juice are all great sources. Interestingly, lycopene is better absorbed by the body when consumed with fats, such as olive oil. So cooking tomatoes with a little oil can boost the benefits of lycopene.

By regularly incorporating tomatoes and tomato products into our diet, we can not only enrich our dishes but also strengthen our protection against various diseases. In short, the tomato is not only a delight for our taste buds, but also a valuable ally for our health.