NEWS
December 11, 2007
Global Scientific Panel Cites Tomatoes
The most comprehensive scientific analysis of cancer prevention and causation ever undertaken has identified “changing diet” as a major step individuals can take to reduce their risk of cancer.
The report, directed by an expert panel of scientists for the respected American Institute of Cancer Research, took five years to complete a review over 4,000 trials, studies and reports. The results of the organization’s “Second Expert Report” are summarized in a 500-page publication and CD rom (www.dietandcancerreport.org).
Tomato Products
In general, the report was negative for red meat, dietary supplements and obesity. Fruits, vegetables and exercise received the most positive comments. The message on tomato products was not ambiguous:
“There is a substantial amount of evidence, in particular on tomato products, from both cohort and case-control studies."
There is evidence for plausible mechanisms. Food containing lycopene probably protects against cancer.
The panel’s judgments are presented in a matrix chart that lists over 60 conclusions about everything from fruit consumption to sedentary living. For each area of conclusion, the risks for 18 different types of cancer are rated from ‘decreased risk’ to ‘increased risk’. “Foods Containing Lycopene” are cited for “Convincing decreased risk” of Prostate Cancer.
Tomato Products (sauce, soup, salsa, ketchup, juice, paste, etc.) are the primary source of lycopene in America’s diet. Separate studies have shown that lycopene is more available to the body when tomatoes have been heat treated than when served fresh.
The good news for consumers is that tomato products are widely, conveniently available. In fact, if French Fries are not considered, the per capita consumption of tomatoes exceeds all other vegetables by a substantial amount.
The AICR clearly states one reason that tomato products deserve their number one position.
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