Like all of your body's systems, the health of your prostate is highly reliant on nutrition. Consuming adequate nutrients can help promote the healthy development of prostate cells and protect your prostate from damage. Consuming stewed tomatoes may help support the health of your prostate by reducing the risk of prostate cancer and benign prostate hyperplasia.
Lycopene
Lycopene is a potent antioxidant found in tomato products, grapefruit and guava. Exposure to DNA-damaging molecules known as free radicals can induce the formation of precancerous cells. Free radicals are molecules formed as the by-product of metabolism. The only way for your body to ward off free radicals is by food-derived antioxidants, including lycopene.
Prostate Cancer
More than 30,000 men die every year from prostate cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Stewed tomatoes and other lycopene-rich foods may help shield your prostate from cancer-causing free radicals, the March 2011 edition of "Cancer Prevention Research" states. Processed and cooked tomato products, such as stewed tomatoes, contain more lycopene than do raw tomatoes or other foods.
Benign Prostate Hyperplasia
Benign prostate hyperplasia, or BPH, is a common medical condition in older men that is caused by an enlarged prostate. BPH can be uncomfortable and make urination difficult. According to a study published in the January 2008 "Journal of Nutrition," consumption of lycopene can help treat BPH. In this study, a group of men were given a daily lycopene supplement for six months. The lycopene helped slow the progression of BPH in a significant number of volunteers.
Considerations
No research has looked directly into the effect of stewed tomatoes on prostate health. Consuming stewed tomatoes alone may not affect the health of your prostate. To support your prostate's health, maintain a healthy body weight, exercise regularly and consume a healthy diet rich in antioxidants. If you're having issues with your prostate, talk to your physician about treatment options.
References
- American Cancer Society: Key Statistics About Prostate Cancer
- "Cancer Prevention Research"; Antioxidant Effects of Lycopene in African American Men with Prostate Cancer or Benign Prostate Hyperplasia: A Randomized, Controlled Trial; R Van Breeman, et al.; March 2011
- "Journal of Nutrition"; Lycopene Inhibits Disease Progression in Patients with Benign Prostate Hyperplasia1,2; S Schwartz, et al.; January 2008
