A review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published in the current issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that there is very little scientific evidence for the anti-cancer properties of either tomatoes or lycopene.
The review looked at 64 separate studies from 1989 to 2005, according to ABC News.
The FDA did find some "very limited" evidence that tomatoes, but not lycopene on its own, can slightly reduce the risk of prostate, gastric, ovarian and pancreatic cancers. The review also says that tomatoes have no effect on lung, colorectal, breast, cervical or endometrial cancer as was previously thought.
But, researchers are still unclear as to why lycopene alone does not produce the same results as lycopene found in tomatoes does.
Dr. James Anderson, professor of medicine and clinical nutrition and the University of Kentucky, is quick to point out that nutrients work best when paired with other nutrients, especially the in ways that occur naturally.
"Most whole foods - especially whole grains, soy and beans - are a complex package of nutrients, fibers, phytochemicals, and minerals. Working synergistically, these components may offer benefits not seen with isolated ingredients," Dr. Anderson said.
