Tomatoes can fight cancer - FDA

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has determined that the antioxidant lycopene is not likely to reduce the risk of cancer.

Supplement maker American Longevity had sought FDA approval to make cancer-fighting claims for its lycopene supplements. But the agency concluded that "there is no credible evidence to support qualified health claims for lycopene, as a food ingredient, component of food, or as a dietary supplement, and reduced risk of any of the &to=http://english.pravda.ru/world/2000/12/29/1765.html' target=_blank>cancers in the petition."

The malignancies that are supposedly inhibited by lycopene -- an antioxidant found in red fruits such as tomatoes and watermelon -- include prostate, gastric, ovarian and pancreatic cancer. However, for each of these cancers, the FDA said a review of studies found there was "uncertain" or "little scientific evidence" that lycopene conferred any benefits, according to the Forbes.