As if your grandmother's spaghetti sauce recipe weren't enough incentive. Studies show that the risk of developing certain cancers decreases when you eat 10 or more tablespoons a week of tomato sauce. Many believe that the active ingredient responsible is lycopene, a carotenoid known for its antioxidant properties. All tomato products contains lots of lycopene, but it's more available to your body when it's cooked. While you're at it, add some cruciferous vegetables like broccoli to your sauce. They contain chemicals that prevent cancer.