ABSTRACT
The prostate, a major male accessory gland, is a potential source of serious disorders affecting health and the quality of life in older men. Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is the most prevalent disease in the prostate, and it represents a considerable health problem to aging men through its associated signs, symptoms, and complications. Although BPH is a major public health problem, little is known about its risk factors, including diet and other lifestyle factors. There seems to be a correlation between intake of tomato and its derivative products and the prevention of prostate diseases. Epidemiological studies have shown an inverse association between dietary intake of tomato products and prostate cancer risk. Nevertheless, there are only a few studies on the correlation between tomato and its byproducts and BPH. Tomato is an excellent source of nutrients and phytochemicals that may contribute to the health of the prostate. Lycopene is one of the main substances that might provoke such effects in prostate. Many mechanisms are proposed for the role of lycopene in the prevention of prostate diseases: antioxidant function, inhibition of cell cycle progression, increase in apoptotic index, increase of gap-junctional 412communication, inhibition of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) signal transduction, inhibition of interleukin-6 expression, induction of phase II enzymes and inhibition of androgen activation and signaling. This carotenoid of red pigmentation is more bioavailable in tomato-processed products, such as tomato paste. Tomato paste is obtained by the concentration of ripened and healthy fruit pulp through an adequate technological process. Studies involving food have important limitations, such as the difficulty in performing a double-blind study. However, they should be encouraged because the bioactive substances, vitamins and minerals, are more bioavailable when consumed with foods than as supplements.
