Avocados and Tomatoes Help Prevent Prostate Cancer
New findings from UCLA indicate that Lutein -- a carotenoid recently discovered in California avocados and found in green vegetables -- can help protect against prostate cancer. This study was presented at the American Institute of Cancer Research (AICR) meeting in July 2001 in Washington D.C.
In recent studies, Lycopene -- a carotenoid found in tomatoes -- was associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer, but lutein had not been linked to prostate cancer prevention until now.
According to Dr. David Heber, director of the UCLA Center for Human Nutrition and author of "What Color Is Your Diet," lab tests showed that lutein reduced prostate cancer cell growth by 25 percent while lycopene reduced cell growth by 20 percent. When lutein and lycopene were combined, prostate cancer cell growth was reduced by 32 percent. Thus indicating that both nutrients together help protect against prostate cancer better than either nutrient alone.
The studies have shown that unless vegetables are consumed along with healthy fats—such as avocado oil, for example—the body can barely absorb the lycopene and get them into the bloodstream where they work their magic.
"Lutein and lycopene in combination appear to have additive or synergistic effects against prostate cancer," said Heber. "Our results suggest that further studies should be done to investigate the nutrient-nutrient interactions of lutein and lycopene at a subcellular and molecular level."
Traditionally, lutein has been found in green vegetables such as parsley, celery and spinach but was recently discovered in the avocado fruit. In fact, research shows that avocados are the highest fruit source of lutein among the 20 most frequently consumed fruits.
In addition to the new prostate cancer findings, lutein is also known to protect against eye disease such as cataracts and macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in the elderly. Studies from around the world sponsored by the AICR have shown that individuals eating 400 to 600 grams per day (more than one pound) of fruits and vegetables reduce their risk of certain cancers by 50 percent.
California avocados fall in the green-yellow group and contain such vital nutrients as vitamin E, which helps "mop up" free radicals that can damage cells and lead to disease; glutathione, which functions as an antioxidant like vitamin E; beta-sitosterol, which helps lower blood cholesterol; and the recently discovered lutein, now linked to prostate cancer and eye disease prevention.
(Reference: Dr. Young)
excellent post. we eat a lot of avocados and tomatoes I'm happy to know it got extra goodies for my sweet hubby too. Thank you for sharing your lovely post at the hop xo
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