THIS is with reference to the news item ‘Tomatoes, minister and Musharraf’ (July 15), concerning the soaring price of tomatoes and the advice by Musharraf.

Musharraf also faced public complaints about the soaring price of tomatoes in December 2003 and he had suggested to the public ‘to use vegetables that were in season’. It is true to use not only vegetables but fruits should also be eaten in season.

Tomatoes contain a very important substance called lycopene which is synthesised in tomatoes when they are attacked by cold wind in the winter.

Another source of lycopene is guava in their pink inner portion. These guavas also flourish in cold weather.

Lycopene protects from prostate and skin cancer. This is nature’s law.

The biochemistry of food, nutrition and health strongly suggests we should eat the season’s fruits and vegetables.

Only then can they can provide health benefits and protect us from diseases.

DR M. QUDRAT-E-KHUDA Karachi