7 Healthcast: Cancer claims

There have been studies in the past linking tomatoes to cancer prevention. Now a FDA review of some of those studies finds that's not the case.

They taste good on burgers or in a salad and tomatoes are often touted as having health benefits. Registered Dietician Linda Antinoro of Brigham & Women’s Hospital says one reason for that is lycopene, an anti-oxidant that gives tomatoes their red color.

"It's basically an anti-oxidant so it works against cells that could become cancerous," Antinoro said.

But when it comes to fighting cancer, it turns out tomatoes won't help, at least according to a new study.

Researchers looked at several past studies on tomatoes and cancer prevention. What they found- there's not enough evidence to claim tomatoes help prevent most cancers.

However, there was a slight benefit seen for prostrate, ovarian, gastric and pancreatic cancer, but the experts say the evidence is limited.

So what's the take home message when it comes to tomatoes and your health?

"We wouldn't want anybody to take this message and not eat any tomatoes or say they won’t eat any vegetables or fruits," Antinoro said. That would do a major disservice for people."

The researchers also found supplements containing lycopene didn't help prevent cancer either. This study is in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

(Copyright (c) 2007 Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)