Special substances in tomatoes can significantly reduce the growth of skin cancer tumors

Scientists are studying the effects of tomato use on skin cancer
Skin cancer is widespread throughout the world. Physicians have long been looking for ways and means to prevent the disease or to slow the progression of the disease efficiently. Researchers now found that daily consumption of tomatoes could halve the growth of skin cancer tumors.

Researchers at Ohio State University found in their study that daily use of tomatoes in experiments on mice leads to a reduced development of the tumors of skin cancer. The physicians published the results of their study in the scientific journal "Scientific Reports".

Tomatoes taste good and are healthy. Physicians noted that the consumption of tomatoes can even lead to a reduction of tumors in skin cancer. (Africa Studio / fotolia.com)

Tests on mice show the effect of tomatoes on skin cancer tumors
Can a change in diet really lead to a significant reduction in the growth of tumors? The experts found that when male mice ingest 10 percent tomato powder a day for 35 weeks and then exposed to ultraviolet light, this results in an average 50 percent reduction in the development of skin cancer tumors.

Why do tomatoes protect against skin cancer??
The theory behind the relationship between tomatoes and cancer is that so-called carotenoids (pigment compounds that give tomatoes their color) can protect the skin from UV light damage, explains author Jessica Cooperstone.

Sex of those affected must be considered in preventive strategies
There were no significant differences in the formation of tumors in female mice in the study, the researchers explain. And previous research has already shown that male mice develop tumors sooner after UV exposure and that their tumors are more numerous, larger and more aggressive. This study showed us that in the future preventive strategies need to take into account the gender of those affected, the author Tatiana Oberyszyn adds in a press release. What works for men does not always work well with women and vice versa.

Tomato paste can prevent sunburn
Results from previous human clinical trials indicated that consuming tomato paste over time may reduce sunburn. This may be due to the so-called carotenoids from the plants that are deposited in the skin of humans. Apparently, these carotenoids are able to protect the skin from UV light damage, Cooperstone explains. The primary carotenoid in tomatoes called lycopene has been found to be the most effective antioxidant for these pigments, adds the expert.

Whole tomatoes are more effective
Comparing the effects of lycopene, the researchers looked at the consumption of whole tomatoes and a synthetic dietary supplement. Whole tomatoes were therefore more effective in preventing redness after UV exposure. This may indicate that other compounds in tomatoes play an important role, the experts speculate.

Nutritional interventions can provide significant benefits
The rate of skin cancer has increased significantly in recent years. Despite a relatively low mortality rate, treatment is costly. Alternative methods of protection, possibly through nutritional interventions, could offer significant benefits, says author Cooperstone. Foods are not medicines, but they can change the development of certain diseases through lifelong consumption, the expert adds. (As)