Introduction: Epidemiology experts have conducted extensive research on whether eating more vegetables and fruits can reduce the risk of cancer. Based on these findings, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the American Cancer Society, and the National Cancer Institute have jointly recommended consuming at least 400-500 grams of vegetables or fruits daily to prevent cancer. When certain fruits are eaten together, they may also enhance the anti-cancer effect, such as tomatoes paired with kale.
Tomatoes and Kale Together Can Prevent Cancer
Recently, researchers from the University of Illinois and Columbus University presented compelling evidence in animal studies suggesting that the combined consumption of tomatoes and kale can inhibit the development of prostate cancer.
They injected the same number of prostate cancer cells into the subcutaneous tissue of the lower abdomen of 206 male rats. The rats were then divided into groups, and their prostate cancer development was observed continuously for 22 weeks. They added 10% tomato to the diet of the first group, 10% kale to the second group, and 10% tomato and 10% kale to the third group.
Through observation, the rats that ate both tomatoes and kale showed the most significant therapeutic effect. The size of their tumors shrank by as much as 52%, and the tumor growth was slow. From the histological sections of the tumor tissues, it was evident that the cancer cells differentiated slowly, while the apoptosis of the cancer cell nuclei was quite significant. This demonstrates that the combined consumption of tomatoes and kale can indeed prevent the progression of prostate cancer. Promoting the consumption of tomatoes and kale together would be a very meaningful health practice.
FAQ: Can Eating Tomatoes Enhance Male Virility?
Experts state that tomatoes are indeed beneficial for men, helping to prevent prostate cancer and improve sperm concentration and motility, strengthening sperm into "super sperm." However, people mistakenly equate sperm quality and fertility with "enhancing virility" and therefore believe that eating tomatoes can do so, which has led to the myth of the "magical" tomato. Some foods contain trace elements and bioactive compounds that can strengthen vital energy, improve semen quality, and enhance sperm motility. However, it's important to note that what is beneficial for sperm does not necessarily equate to enhancing virility. Moreover, sperm quality and sexual function are two different matters. Therefore, the claim that tomatoes "enhance virility" is a stretch.
Although they may not "enhance virility," the benefits of tomatoes for the male prostate and sperm are undeniable. Men might consider eating tomatoes daily, preferably cooked. This is because lycopene is a fat-soluble substance, making it easier to absorb when cooked. However, do not heat for more than 30 minutes, as the lycopene will then begin to break down.
When eating tomatoes raw on an empty stomach in large quantities, the acidic components in tomatoes, such as pectin, fruit acids, and gossypol, can easily undergo chemical reactions with bile, forming insoluble lumps that may lead to stones. Therefore, individuals with a predisposition to stones, a family history of stones, or those who skip breakfast should take note.
What Kind of Tomatoes Might Be Harmful to Health?
Tomatoes are nutritious and suitable for all ages, yet people are finding them increasingly "untrustworthy." Tomatoes that are uniformly red "look artificially ripened," and some have pointed tops and hard cores, causing doubt when purchasing.
The substance used to ripen and redden tomatoes is "ethylene," applied to their surface. Ethylene is a plant growth hormone, not a chemical or animal hormone. It is used because the ripening process of tomatoes relies on ethylene produced by the fruit itself. Adding external ethylene can "prompt" this process. Ethylene is harmless to humans and volatilizes naturally, ensuring safety.
If consumers are still concerned when selecting tomatoes, they can use the "look, touch, and store" method:
Touch: The sign of a ripe tomato is softness, not hardness. If a tomato feels like it has a distinct hard core inside, it's best not to buy it.
Look: A ripe tomato is uniformly red; yellow varieties should be bright yellow. If the color is uneven, it's best to avoid it. The shape should be natural; "misshapen" tomatoes might be sweeter, but if the fruit has obvious protrusions, you can skip it. Also, if a particular tomato in a variety has a sharp tip, it suggests it does not represent the characteristic of that variety and may have been over-exposed to hormones.
Store: It's best not to eat tomatoes immediately after buying them. Tomatoes have a "ripening" process, and the ethylene applied to their surface will continue to volatilize during this time. When eating, just rinse with clean water. If you have a "psychological barrier" to ethylene, you can blanch them in boiling water, peel them, and then eat.
Among fruit vegetables, pests and diseases are less common than in leafy vegetables. Tomatoes, in particular, are relatively low in pesticide use, so the public can "eat them with confidence."
7 "Unexpected" Facts About Tomatoes
1. Italian cuisine makes good use of tomatoes, leading people to mistakenly believe they originated in Europe. In fact, their native origin is Mexico. Columbus brought tomato seeds to Europe for the first time.
2. Eating more tomatoes can reduce the risk of wound infections because they are rich in antioxidants.
3. Tomatoes are most effective in preventing prostate, colon, and pancreatic cancer.
4. Organic tomatoes contain many times more lycopene than regular tomatoes.
5. Tomatoes help stabilize blood sugar and cholesterol because they are an important source of dietary fiber.
6. Tomatoes come in colors like red, yellow, orange, green, and purple, but not blue.
7. Canned tomato juice has higher nutritional value than fresh tomatoes. This is because commercially sold fresh tomatoes are picked before they are ripe, while tomatoes for juice are picked after they have fully ripened and turned red. Additionally, canned tomato juice is sterilized at high temperatures (100°C), making it suitable for people of any constitution.
Eating Tomatoes to Prevent Frequent Urination
Waking up at night to urinate is an annoying thing. A new study published in the British "Daily Mail" found that regular consumption of tomatoes can help middle-aged and elderly men alleviate frequent urination and reduce the number of times they wake up at night.
Scientists at the Queensland Research Center in Australia selected 57 men aged 40-80 as subjects. They first assessed the participants' health status and the frequency of their nighttime urination, then had them take pills containing lycopene without telling them what the medication was. After 3 months, the men's nighttime urination frequency decreased by one-third, and the overall function of their bladder improved significantly.
In response, Ian Wilkinson, director of the Cambridge University Clinical Trials Unit, stated that lycopene in tomatoes can inhibit age-related prostate enlargement, thereby relieving pressure on the bladder. Currently, researchers are attempting to develop new drugs for treating prostate enlargement using lycopene. Meanwhile, the researchers noted that tomatoes have many health benefits, including preventing aging, helping to resist strokes, and protecting the cardiovascular system. Therefore, it is advisable to consume fresh tomatoes more often in daily life.
Reference
What to Eat with Tomatoes for the Best Anti-Cancer Effect? Family Doctor Online, January 5, 2012
Eating Tomatoes to Prevent Frequent Urination. Life Times, June 18, 2013