Imagine waking up in the middle of the night again, that familiar urge pulling you out of bed for the third time. The quiet house feels colder as you shuffle to the bathroom, wondering if this is just part of getting older. For many men over 60, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)—or enlarged prostate—brings frequent urination, weak flow, and that constant sense of not fully emptying. It affects millions, disrupting sleep and daily comfort. But what if one everyday fruit could quietly support your prostate by helping slow that enlargement? Research often points to tomatoes (technically a fruit) and their key compound, lycopene, as a standout option. Studies suggest regular intake of tomatoes—especially cooked—may help reduce prostate growth risks and ease symptoms. While no single food shrinks the prostate overnight, evidence shows this humble red fruit stands out for potential protective effects. Let’s explore why tomatoes earn the spotlight—and how adding them might make a difference.

The prostate gland naturally enlarges with age due to hormonal shifts and cell overgrowth, pressing on the urethra and causing lower urinary tract symptoms. BPH isn’t cancer, but it impacts quality of life for up to 90% of men by age 80. Diets rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory foods may help modulate this process. Lycopene, the pigment giving tomatoes their red color, acts as a potent antioxidant that concentrates in prostate tissue. Multiple studies link higher lycopene intake to lower risks of prostate issues, including slower BPH progression. Cooked tomatoes boost lycopene absorption far more than raw—think sauce, soup, or roasted. You might think fruits like pomegranate get more hype, but population and clinical data often favor tomato products for consistent associations with prostate health.