There is so much conflicting evidence in the literature with regard to nutrition and it's protective effects in patients. Recently, there was a new study from the journal Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention which suggested the lycopene rich foods (tomatoes, watermelon, pink grapefruit, and others) have no protective effect for men and prostate cancer. However, this flies in the face of a rich supply of previous research that suggests that lycopene rich foods does in fact have health benefits including cancer protective agents. Keep in mind that nutrition facts/research contradicts and changes weekly, depending on the newest paper, and that no one food or food supplement is a magic bullet for cancer prevention.

It is important to take information and open new avenues for thought, rather than turning away from potentially useful information. While this paper presents a negative picture of lycopene rich foods, there is still data and evidence to the contrary. Continued research will be required to fully understand the protective effects of these compounds. In the meantime, keep pursuing a diet fortified with a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein, and other valuable compounds to improve one's health and to maximize a protective and potentially preventative dietary lifestyle. My advice is to continue aspiring towards a healthy diet that takes advantage of the synergistic effects of food. (see entry dated 3/20/07)