8 Key Health Benefits of Lycopene (Phytonutrient)

Lycopene tomatoes

Domonique D. Hargrove B,A., M.S., NCEP Certified, Founder and President of “Slight Edge Performance Program”LLC

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lycopene-foods

Lycopene is a carotenoid − a natural pigment that gives some vegetables and fruits their red color. It is an antioxidant (a substance that protects against cell damage). Tomatoes provide about 80% of the lycopene in the US diet.

Lycopene is a plant nutrient with antioxidant properties. It’s the pigment that gives red and pink fruits, such as tomatoes, watermelons and pink grapefruit, their characteristic color.
Lycopene has been linked to health benefits ranging from heart health to protection against sunburns and certain types of cancers.

Lycopene is an antioxidant in the carotenoid family. Antioxidants protect your body from damage caused by compounds known as free radicals. When free radical levels outnumber antioxidant levels, they can create oxidative stress in your body. This stress is linked to certain chronic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease and Alzheimer’s. Research shows that lycopene’s antioxidant properties can help keep free radical levels in balance, protecting your body against some of these conditions.

Lycopene is a strong antioxidant that can protect your body against oxidative stress and offer some protection from certain environmental toxins and chronic diseases.

Lycopene’s strong antioxidant action may prevent or slow down the progression of some types of cancer. For instance, some studies show that the nutrient may slow down the growth of breast and prostate cancers by limiting tumor growth. Certain observational studies link high intakes of carotenoids, including lycopene, to a lower risk of lung and prostate cancers.

Lycopene is a chemical molecular formula. tomato. Vector illustration on isolated background.

Lycopene Chemical Molecular Formula

Diets rich in the antioxidant lycopene may help prevent the development of prostate cancer. It may also protect against cancers of the lungs, breasts and kidneys, but more human-based research is needed to confirm this. Lycopene’s strong antioxidant properties may help improve cholesterol levels and reduce your likelihood of developing or dying prematurely from heart disease.

Lycopene, a naturally occurring red carotenoid pigment found in tomatoes, pink grapefruit, watermelon, papaya, guava, and other fruits, has been extensively studied for more than 70 years, with more than 2000 articles published in peer-reviewed journals and 4000 other publications (scientific and otherwise) written on the subject. Most of these articles have focused on lycopene derived from tomatoes.

lycopene 1

Most red and pink foods contain some lycopene. Tomatoes and foods made with tomatoes are the richest sources of this nutrient. Other foods that contain lycopene are Sun-dried tomato, tomato purée, guava, watermelon, fresh tomatoes, canned tomato, papaya, pink grapefruit, cooked sweet red peppers, apricots and pink guavas.

This carotenoid is believed to have strong antioxidant powers, with some studies showing a reduced risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease and macular degeneration.

Lycopene is not produced in the body, so you only obtain its benefits by eating foods rich in lycopene or supplementing.

There is currently no recommended daily intake for lycopene. However, from the current studies, intakes between 8–21 mg per day appear to be most beneficial.

Continue to be conscious and proactive about making sure you are getting this essential phytonutrient in your diet and eating lifestyle!

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