Independent health studies have shown that tomato and soy products contain natural compounds that can prevent the formation of cancerous tumors. New research in this area shows that eating both foods at the same time has a strong effect on the body and is more effective in preventing prostate cancer than eating one of the products.

In a study involving mice at the University of Illinois, scientists found that when tomatoes and soy are combined, biologically active substances are formed that can destroy especially aggressive tumors.

For the study, mice were specially selected with a genetic feature for the development of an aggressive form of prostate cancer. In half of the test animals that consumed soy and tomato after the experiment was completed, no precancerous lesions were found in the prostate gland. While in the control group, which did not consume either soy or tomato, all mice underwent the development of a cancerous tumor.

Scientists believe that despite the fact that mice took part in the study, the results of the study may also be effective for men.

Prostate cancer is most commonly diagnosed in men, but has an almost 100% survival rate in the early stages. It is known that in countries where soy is eaten regularly, prostate cancer is much less common. Scientists have noted that this is probably the result of an increase in compounds called isoflavones – such as genistein , ginseng, and glycetin . Research has also identified lycopene, the main ingredient found in tomatoes, which has powerful anti-cancer properties.

In the new study, the scientists divided the mice into 4 groups, which fed the mice one of four diets containing 10 percent tomato powder; 2% soy proteins, tomato powder with soy proteins, and no tomato or soy.

After 18 weeks, the results showed that the soy and tomato group had lower rates of cancer than the others.

The results show that three to four servings of tomato products per week and one to two servings of soy products daily may protect against prostate cancer. The scientists added that a diet with a variety of fruits and vegetables is a healthy choice.