Additionally a line of research stemming from a finding from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study suggest that tomatoes may help protect men against prostate cancer, especially aggressive forms of it.
Although several studies other than the Health Professionals’ study have also demonstrated a link between tomatoes or lycopene (one of the pigments that give tomatoes their red hue) and prostate cancer, others tend to disagree with such findings. Taken as a whole, however, these studies suggest that increased consumption of tomato-based products (especially cooked tomato products) and other lycopene-containing foods may reduce the occurrence or progression of prostate cancer. But more research is needed before the exact relationship between fruits and vegetables, carotenoids, and prostate cancer is known.
Fruits, Vegetables, and Gastrointestinal Health
Indigestible fiber is one of the greatest assets of fruits and vegetables. As fiber passes through the digestive system, it collects water in a sponge like manner and expands. This can contribute to the calming effect of an irritable bowel and, the triggering of regular bowel movements, and prevention of constipation. The bulking and softening action of insoluble fiber also decreases pressure inside the intestinal tract and so may help prevent colon irritation.
Fruits, Vegetables, and Vision
Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables has a positive effect on the good health of the eyesight. Vitamin A in carrots aids night vision, however many eye doctors recommend the elderly not do take any vitamin E supplementation for it might increase their chances for cataracts.
Other fruits and vegetables aid in the prevention of the progressive deterioration of the retina called as well as a cloudiness or opacity in the normally transparent crystalline lens of the eye.
This cloudiness can cause a decrease in vision and may lead to eventual blindness. Both conditions affect millions of Americans mostly between the ages of fifty-two and sixty-five.
Free radicals generated by sunlight, cigarette smoke, air pollution, infection, and metabolism cause much of this damage. Dark green leafy vegetables contain two pigments, lutein, and zeaxanthin, that accumulate in the eye. These two appear to be able to eliminate free radicals before they can harm the eye’s sensitive tissues.
In general, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains appears to reduce the chances of developing eye problems or degeneration.
©Copyright – Hector Sectzer
