The Longevity Project

The epidemiologic literature in the English language regarding intake of tomatoes and tomato-based products and blood lycopene (a compound derived predominantly from tomatoes) level in relation to the risk of various cancers was reviewed. Among 72 studies identified, 57 reported inverse associations between tomato intake or blood lycopene level and the risk of cancer at [...]

Background: Reports from several studies have suggested that carotenoids, and in particular lycopene, could be prostate cancer–preventive agents. This has stimulated extensive laboratory and clinical research, as well as much commercial and public enthusiasm. However, the epidemiologic evidence remains inconclusive.
Materials and Methods: We investigated the association between prediagnostic serum carotenoids (lycopene, {alpha}-carotene, ß-carotene, ß-cryptoxanthin, lutein, [...]

Lutein (from Latin lutea meaning “yellow”) is one of over 600 known naturally occurring carotenoids. Found in green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale, lutein is employed by organisms as an antioxidant and for blue light absorption. Lutein is covalently bound to one or more fatty acids present in some fruits and flowers, notably [...]

Resveratrol is a phytoalexin (antibiotics produced by plants that are under attack) found in the skin of red grapes and as a constituent of red wine. Resveratrol and other grape compounds have been positively linked to fighting cancer, heart disease, degenerative nerve disease, and other ailments. Red wine typically has health benefits not found in [...]

Flavonoids (bioflavonoids in the media) are phenylpronanoids, a class of plant-derived organic compounds that are biosynthesized from the amino acid phenylalanine and belonging to the polyphenol group, characterized by the presence of more than one phenol group per molecule. Flavonoids are most commonly known for their antioxidant activity.

Polyphenols are a group of chemical substances found in plants, characterized by the presence of more than one phenol group per molecule. Polyphenols are generally further subdivided into tannins, and phenylpropanoids such as lignins and flavonoids.

Phenylpropanoids are a class of plant-derived organic compounds that are biosynthesized from the amino acid phenylalanine. This class includes: cinnamic acids, cinnamic aldehydes and monolignols, coumarins and flavonoids, stilbenoids. They have a wide variety of functions, including defense against herbivores, microbial attack, or other sources of injury; as structural components of cell walls; as protection [...]

Vitamin C or L-ascorbate is an essential nutrient required to allow a range of essential metabolic reactions in animals and plants, and widely known as the vitamin that prevents scurvy in humans. The pharmacophore of vitamin C is the ascorbate ion. In living organisms, ascorbate is an antioxidant, as it protects the body against oxidative [...]

Retinol, the animal form of vitamin A, is a yellow fat-soluble, antioxidant vitamin important in vision and bone growth. It belongs to the family of chemical compounds known as retinoids. Retinol is ingested in a precursor form; animal sources (milk and eggs) contain retinyl esters, whereas plants (carrots, spinach) contain pro-vitamin A carotenoids. Hydrolysis of [...]