Father’s Day is just around the corner, but this nutrient news can be of use for healthy men any day.

Nutrients lower chances of cancer, improve DNA

Lycopene

Doctors disagree on the role of lycopene in prostate cancer, and the level and absorbability of lycopene from foods is difficult to measure. In this long-term study, researchers measured the diets of 49,898 male health professionals, aged 40 to 75.

After 24 years of follow-up, men who got the most lycopene, up to 13.4 mg per day, were 28 percent less likely to have developed any type of prostate cancer, and 53 percent less likely to have lethal prostate cancer, compared to men who got the least lycopene, about 3.2 mg per day.

Higher levels of lycopene were linked to lower levels of new blood vessels forming to feed the cancer tumors, which helped slow the progression and severity of the disease. Also, doctors found lycopene early in life more beneficial than later in life, with the richest sources tomatoes and tomato products.

Reference: Journal of the National Cancer Institute; 2014, Vol. 106, No. 2, Published Online

Vitamin B6

Earlier studies looking for a link between B vitamins and cancer have been inconclusive. Doctors said DNA damage can trigger the cellular process that leads to cancer, and wanted to test for a link between DNA health and vitamin B6.

In this study, doctors measured circulating levels of vitamin B6 and signs of DNA damage in 500 men and women, aged 21 to 66. While they found no link in women or in some men, men who didn’t smoke or drink more than an ounce of alcohol per day and who had higher circulating levels of vitamin B6 had much lower levels of DNA damage.

Reference: Nutrition Journal; 2013, Vol. 29, No. 10, 1219-23

Betsy’s Note: Lycopene also thins blood.  Those trying to avoid nightshades, remember that tomatoes are included in this category.  This article is for educational purposes only.  It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.  Consult your healthcare provider.

Article copyright 2014 by Natural Insights for Well Being. All rights reserved. Used with permission.