Researchers found men who eat over 10 portions of tomatoes per week may have an 18 percent reduced risk of developing prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men worldwide; rates are highest in developed countries, leading researchers to believe it is triggered by a westernized diet and lifestyle, the University of Bristol reported.

To make their findings researchers looked at the diets and lifestyles of 1,806 men between the ages of 50 and 69 suffering from prostate cancer and 12,005 cancer-free men. The research team was the first to develop a prostate cancer "dietary index" consisting of selenium, calcium and foods rich in lycopene. Men who regularly consumed items in these three groups had a lower risk of developing prostate cancer.

Food items such as tomato juice and baked beans were found to have the highest benefits, with an 18 percent risk reduction in men who ate over 10 portions a week. Lycopene is an antioxidant found in tomatoes that can fight off toxins and prevent cell and DNA damage.

"Our findings suggest that tomatoes may be important in prostate cancer prevention.  However, further studies need to be conducted to confirm our findings, especially through human trials.  Men should still eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, maintain a healthy weight and stay active," lead researcher Vanessa Er, from the School of Social and Community Medicine at the University of Bristol and Bristol Nutrition BRU.

Only high intake of fruits, vegetables and dietary fiber were found to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. The researchers said since these recommendations are not targeted at prostate cancer prevention additional dietary recommendations should be developed.

The research team also looked at recommendations on physical activity, diet, and body weight for cancer prevention.

 The study was published recently in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention.