Tomato and Soy Products May Prevent Prostate Cancer when Eaten Together

Prostrate cancer is the leading cause of death from cancer, in men over age 75. And is not usually found in men under the age of 40. Research indicates that tomato and soy products may be beneficial for preventing cancer of the prostrate. One study suggests that eating Soy and tomato products together is more beneficial for preventing prostrate cancer, than when eaten alone.

John Erdman, professor of nutrition and food science at the University of Illinois, conducted a study on the effect of diet on mice who were genetically engineered, to develop an aggressive form of prostate cancer. Erdman and his colleagues fed mice, who were between the ages of 4 and 18-weeks old, 1 of 4 different diets. These were:

1. A controlled diet containing neither soy nor tomato;
2. A diet of 2% soy germ;
3. A diet with 10% whole tomato powder;
4. A diet containing 10% whole tomato powder and 2% soy germ;

The results showed that 100% of mice in the controlled group developed prostrate cancer, 66% of mice fed tomato or soy developed the disease, and only 45% of mice fed a combination of tomato and soy had developed prostate cancer by the conclusion of the study.

The prostrate is a small walnut shaped gland that is part of the male reproduction system. Those most at risk for prostrate cancer, are men who have a father or brother with the disease, African American males, and men over the age of 60. Other risk factors include: eating a high fat diet, excessive drinking of alcohol, exposure to cadmium or agent orange, farmers, tire plant workers, and painters.

There are five symptoms which are associated with late stage prostrate cancer, but could also be indicative of other prostrate issues, such as an enlarged prostrate. If you notice any of the following, please consult your health care provider. They are:

1. Straining when urinating, or being unable to completely empty the bladder of urine.

2. Leaking of urine ofter urinating.

3. Slow, or delayed urinary stream

4. Tenderness or bone pain, in lower back and pelvic bones. (This happens when cancer is present and spreads.

5. Blood in semen, and or or urine.

Tomatoes, are rich in cancer fighting phytochemicals, and lycopene. And a different study indicates that Japanese males who ate tofu, were 70% less likely to be diagnosed with prostrate cancer, than western men with high fat diets, that were low in Soy products .