Discover the Facts About Lycopene and Prostate Cancer

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 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.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

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