They are all caused by oxidative stress, they attack women and they can all be prevented by tomatoes. The tomato may very well be one of nature's most perfect foods, containing phytonutrients that help prevent oxidative damage which serves to protect against the leading health problems of women.
Tomatoes, the subject of well-publicized research, contain a variety of health benefiting phytonutrients: lycopene and beta carotene, as well as antioxidant tocopherols (vitamin E), phytosterols and the less well-known carotenoids, phytoene and phytofluene. Studies have shown that these natural substances decrease the proliferation of human cancer cells and support cardiovascular health. Recent data suggest that they may even be important in maintaining bone health.
Oxidative stress occurs when our cells are bombarded with free radicals, by the sun and other environmental factors. When free radicals occur in excess, they damage the structure and function of our cells. The resulting oxidative stress leads to degenerative conditions such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help offset this damage because of the antioxidant carotenoids, which act as free radical quenchers.
The combination of lycopene, phytoene and phytofluene present in tomatoes has specifically been shown to decrease cancer risk. The human body does not produce lycopene on its own. Women should be conscious of eating a lycopene and phyto-nutrient-rich diet or taking an all-natural supplement containing lycopene phytonutrients.