What is Lycopene?
Natural Lycopene is a red pigment. Lycopene is a common carotenoid compound found in fruits, vegetables, and green plants that is responsible for the red color of tomatoes. Other sources include apricot, cranberry, grapes, pink grapefruit, guava, papaya, peaches, and watermelon.
Lycopene is not produced in the body, so you can only obtain its benefits by eating foods rich in natural lycopene. Lycopene is better absorbed by the body when it is consumed in cooked tomato products, rather than fresh tomatoes. In one study, heat processing released up to 2.5 times the lycopene from tomatoes, making it more available and absorbable in the body. Also, because lycopene is fat-soluble, adding a little oil helps absorption too.
Benefits of Lycopene
Anti-cancer
A new study shows that taking 30 milligrams of lycopene a day can prevent many types of cancer, including cancers of prostate, digestive and bladder. The body cannot make lycopene on its own, so it must be taken from the diet. A raw tomato can only absorb 0.05 mg of lycopene. Therefore, in the treatment of prostate diseases, the supplement of lycopene is essential.
Cardio protection
Lipoprotein oxidation in the intima of blood vessels is a key factor in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Lycopene plays an important role in reducing lipoprotein oxidation. It is reported that taking orally the natural lycopene can reduce the serum cholesterol to below 5.20 millimol/l. Lycopene is used to prevent and control high cholesterol and hyperlipidemia, which can slow the development of cardiovascular diseases.
Anti-ultraviolet radiation function
Lycopene can resist ultraviolet damage. The researchers gave 10 healthy people 28 milligrams of probeta-carotene and 2 milligrams of lycopene for 1-2 months. The results showed that people taking lycopene the area of erythema caused by ultraviolet light decreases.
Inhibiting mutagenesis
One of the important mechanisms of tumor formation is that tissue cells undergo genetic mutations under the action of external mutagens, and lycopene blocks this process and plays an anticancer role. For example, people in Mediterranean area use ketchup while frying fish and meat, which reduces the formation of mutagens such as heteramine in cooking process. So while local residents like to eat Fried and grilled foods that are likely to cause cancer, the incidence of cervical cancer, prostate cancer and liver cancer is low.
Anti-aging and immune enhancement
Lycopene can effectively remove free radicals in human body, maintain normal cell metabolism and prevent aging. Lycopene is absorbed into the blood and lymph in the body through the mucosa of the digestive tract, and distributed to testis, adrenal gland, prostate, pancreas, breast, ovary, liver, lung, colon, skin and various mucosal tissues, to promote the secretion of hormones by the glands, thus keeping the human body active. Remove free radicals from these organs and tissues, protect them from injury, and strengthen the body’s immunity. Indian scholar points out, tomato red element can make infertile man sperm quantity increases, vigor increases, cure infertile problem thereby.
Skin health
Lycopene can greatly improve skin allergy and eliminate the dry and itchy feeling caused by skin allergy, making people feel relaxed and comfortable.
Protects the mucosa
Lycopene is abundant in various kinds of mucosa tissues in the body, and long-term use can improve various kinds of discomfort caused by the destruction of mucosa tissues in the body. Such as dry cough, dry eyes, mouth ulcer, protect gastrointestinal mucosa tissue.
Alleviate a hangover
Lycopene has a strong antialcohol effect. The metabolic process of alcohol in the body is mainly REDOX reaction, which produces large amounts of free radicals. Take lycopene regularly to increase your alcohol intake; Take before drinking, the antialcohol effect is remarkable, can reduce the alcohol to the liver damage; And drink after drunk, can alleviate the drunk symptom such as headache, vomit.
Prevent osteoporosis
Lycopene also has many physiological functions such as preventing osteoporosis, lowering blood pressure and reducing asthma caused by exercise.
Bottom Line
Natural Lycopene is one of those nutients that your body needs on a daily basis as it treats numerous health issues effectively. There is no doubt that lycopene contains various health benefits. You should try incorporating it into your diet after consulting with your primary care provider to avoid further health problems.
