Tomatoes have unique health attributes and, when consumed within the context of a healthy diet, they can help in dealing with major health concerns such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and obesity.

Lycopene – a carotenoid in tomatoes that has been linked to a lowered risk of prostate cancer – apparently does not act alone. Its effect is stronger in combination with other phytochemicals in the fruit.

Lycopene is an antioxidant and the pigment that provides the red color to foods such as tomatoes, pink grapefruit, guava, papaya, and watermelon. Many people purchase lycopene-based supplements because of its protective role against prostate and other cancers. Results from this study suggest that a combination of the bioactive compounds might offer the best anti-cancer effect. In other words: Lycopene might be effective only in synergy with other compounds.

"It has been unclear whether lycopene itself is protective. This study suggests that lycopene is one factor involved in reducing the risk of prostate cancer," said John Erdman Jr., PhD, a professor of food science and human nutrition and of internal medicine at Illinois. "This also suggests that taking lycopene as a dietary supplement is not as effective as eating whole tomatoes. We believe people should consume whole tomato products - in pastas, in salads, in tomato juice and even on pizza."

For more information click here:  Tomato Products Wellness Council (TPWC)