![수박의 라이코펜 성분은 몸속 염증과 유전자를 해치는 물질을 줄이는 효과가 있으나 당지수(72)가 높아 당뇨 환자는 절제하는 게 좋다. [사진=게티이미지뱅크]](https://imgnews.pstatic.net/image/296/2024/07/14/0000079851_001_20240714190817429.jpg?type=w647)
Middle-aged couples become more worried about cardiovascular disease or cancer. More than 50% of patients with heart disease or major cancers are in their 50s and 60s. Hidden cancer cells can develop into cancer through lifestyle changes lasting over ten years. What foods are good for husbands and wives to eat together? These days, the prices of vegetables and fruits are so high that writing about food feels burdensome.
Eating lycopene nutrients frequently... improves heart and blood vessel health
Tomatoes, watermelons, apricots, and grapes contain a lot of lycopene nutrients. It is a substance that gives red color. It helps prevent cardiovascular diseases by regulating 'bad' cholesterol and contributes to preventing cancers such as prostate cancer through powerful antioxidant (damage-aging) effects. It slows down the aging of cells in the body, serving as a stepping stone for disease prevention. It also protects the skin from ultraviolet rays and helps strengthen immunity.
My husband's prostate is deteriorating... waking up frequently at night and even developing prostate cancer
According to the National Cancer Registration Statistics, there were 18,697 cases of prostate cancer in 2021 alone. It ranks fourth among male cancers, indicating a high number of patients. The prostate (prostate gland) is a male reproductive organ about the size of a chestnut, located just below the bladder. It produces and stores part of the semen. Cancer can develop due to excessive intake of animal fats and other factors. Benign prostatic hyperplasia also causes suffering for men. Aging of the prostate leads to frequent nighttime awakenings to visit the bathroom, impairing quality of life.
Eating cooked tomatoes with a drizzle of olive oil contributes to prostate cancer prevention
Prostate cancer is the most significant contributor to cancer prevention through diet. Various components called micronutrients play a role in preventing cancer by acting as antioxidants. Lycopene, which is particularly abundant in tomatoes, and genistein found in soybeans, help prevent prostate cancer. Eating less red meat high in animal fats and consuming an appropriate amount of fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, and legumes is beneficial for preventing prostate cancer.
Lycopene is a representative ingredient that reduces the risk of prostate cancer. According to the National Cancer Information Center, processed tomatoes have a greater anticancer effect than raw ones. Lycopene is more abundant in fully ripe tomatoes because tomato processed foods are made from fully ripe tomatoes. The highest lycopene content is found in tomato paste, with 55.5 mg per 100g. Followed by tomato sauce, tomato ketchup, tomato purée, spaghetti sauce, tomato juice, and plain tomatoes. Cooking tomatoes with oil such as olive oil enhances the lycopene effect.
Watermelon... Contributes to preventing edema, nephritis, cystitis, urethritis, hypertension, and inflammation
According to the National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, the lycopene content in watermelons consumed in Korea is 4.1mg per 100g, which is higher than that of tomatoes (3.2mg). Watermelon contains citrulline, which helps synthesize urea in the body and promotes diuretic effects. It is beneficial for reducing swelling caused by edema, nephritis, cystitis, urethritis, hypertension, inflammation, and high fever. Additionally, citrulline is digested in the body and converted into arginine, increasing nitric oxide and relaxing blood vessels. However, since the glycemic index is high (72), diabetics should consume it in moderation.
