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Tomatoes of All Colors
Anticancer effects of lycopene
A meta-analysis showed that, compared to lower levels, high intakes and high blood levels of lycopene were associated with a 5% and 11% reduction in overall cancer risk, respectively. Notably, there appears to be an inverse association between dietary lycopene intake and prostate cancer risk. Also, an inverse association was found between cancer mortality and total tomato consumption, lycopene consumption, and blood lycopene levels.
Additionally, an inverse association has been observed specifically between blood lycopene levels and lung cancer mortality. However, the results of another meta-analysis showed no significant correlation between lycopene consumption and gastric cancer risk. To date, no official recommendations have been made regarding the use and dosage of lycopene.
Conclusion
Tomatoes are rich in health-promoting nutrients. Regardless of the variety, they have their place in a balanced diet, just like any other fruit, botanically or culinaryly!
Sources
1. Health Canada: Canadian Nutrient File (CNF) [Accessed August 16, 2025]. https://food-nutrition.canada.ca/cnf-fce/?lang=eng
2. Ali MY, Sina AA, Khandker SS, et al. Nutritional Composition and Bioactive Compounds in Tomatoes and Their Impact on Human Health and Disease: A Review. Foods. 2020 Dec 26;10(1):45. doi: 10.3390/foods10010045. PMID: 33375293; PMCID: PMC7823427.
3. Shafe MO, Gumede NM, Nyakudya TT, Chivandi E. Lycopene: A Potent Antioxidant with Multiple Health Benefits. J Nutr Metab. 2024 Jun 8;2024:6252426. doi: 10.1155/2024/6252426. PMID: 38883868; PMCID: PMC11179732.
4. Balali A, Fathzadeh K, Askari G, Sadeghi O. Dietary intake of tomato and lycopene, blood levels of lycopene, and risk of total and specific cancers in adults: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. Front Nutr. 2025 Feb 12;12:1516048. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2025.1516048. PMID: 40013157; PMCID: PMC11860085.
5. Han W, Zhang W, Ren X. Not all carotenoids can reduce the risk of gastric cancer: a systematic review with meta-analysis. BMC Gastroenterol. 2024 Jan 29;24(1):51. doi: 10.1186/s12876-024-03139-5. PMID: 38287248; PMCID: PMC10823639.
Author
A University of Montreal graduate and holding a Master's Degree in Medical Research from Griffith University in Australia, Tracy is a Registered Dietitian and active member of the Ordre professionnel des Diététistes Nutritionnistes du Québec (ODNQ). She holds the Monash University's certification for the FODMAP diet and IBS. With more than 15 years of experience, she likes to share her knowledge about food in a simple and illustrated way in order to support you in achieving your health goals. Her approach combines the pleasure of eating, intuitive eating and mindfulness. Tracy specializes in adapted nutrition for chronic diseases, weight loss, gastrointestinal health, vegetarianism and veganism.
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