Tomatoes No Magic Bullet For Prostate Cancer

According to a news story on Health Day:

Lycopene, the much-touted cancer fighting antioxidant found in tomatoes and ketchup, is ineffective in preventing prostate cancer, a new study finds. In fact, higher intake of another antioxidant found in many vegetables, beta-carotene, appears to increase the risk for aggressive prostate cancer, researchers report. Many Americans also take beta-carotene in supplements.

The report is published in the May issue of the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. During the course of the trial, 1,320 prostate cancer cases were diagnosed. Peters's team found no significant difference in blood levels of lycopene between men who had prostate cancer and those who didn't. Beta-carotene has also been linked to increased risk for lung cancer and heart disease among smokers, Peters noted. "People should be very cautious about taking high doses of supplemental beta-carotene," she said. The researcher believes the best strategy for preventing cancer in general is to not place one's faith in a particular food, but to live an active, healthy lifestyle.

For more go to http://www.healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=604717