Prostate Prescription

Author: Victoria Dolby

Lycopene

What it is: This powerful antioxidant and member of the carotenoid family turns up most often in tomatoes and foods made from tomatoes.

How it works: Eating tomato-based foods at least five times a week slashes a man's risk of prostate cancer by 40 percent (International Brazilian Journal of Urology, 2006, vol. 32, no. 1). Lycopene's cancer-fighting abilities are most likely related to fending off free radicals (Journal of Nutrition, 2004, vol. 134, no. 12 Suppl). Men with prostate cancer also benefit from lycopene, according to a study that found patients slated for prostatectomy (surgical removal of the prostate) who supplemented with lycopene prior to the surgery had smaller tumors and lower prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels (Experimental Biology and Medicine, 2002, vol. 227, no. 10).

Side effects: Eat and supplement to your heart's desire; this naturally occurring nutrient has no toxicity concerns.

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