Lycopene in tomatoes may reverse a precancerous mouth condition

Want a healthy mouth? Put a tomato in it.

According to a study published in the journal Oral Oncology, the lycopene in tomatoes may reduce the symptoms of oral leukoplakia, a mucous membrane disorder that’s caused by irritation, primarily from smoking or rough spots on teeth. Typically, a lesion develops on the tongue or inside the cheek, and about 3 percent of the lesions become cancerous.

Researchers recruited nearly 60 people with oral leukoplakia and divided them into three groups: one received 8 mg of lycopene daily; one received 4 mg of lycopene; and one received a placebo. After three months, 55 percent in the 8 mg group had a complete absence of lesions. In the 4 mg group, 25 percent were without lesions. And none of the members of the placebo group were cured of the lesions.

A five-ounce tomato contains about 8 mg of lycopene, but the body absorbs lycopene better when the tomato is in the form of paste and heated. Absorption is further improved when tomatoes are cooked with olive oil or animal fats.

Sources:
“A Tomato a Day Reverses a Precancerous Mouth Condition” Maureen Williams, M.D., Healthnotes Newswire, 4/29/04, pccnaturalmarkets.com