I do not know a thing about you, but I will bet that you are someone who cares deeply about their health. In this article, we will discuss the health benefits of lycopene and how it can help you in your quest to live your life to its fullest.

What exactly is lycopene anyway? Lycopene is a phytochemical characterized by its bright red color. It has many antioxidant properties.

You have probably heard that tomatoes are one of the main sources of lycopene. Other red vegetables and fruits which contain lycopene include carrots, watermelons, papayas, pink grapefruit, red bell pepper, and wolfberry (also known as goji berry).

More than 85% of lycopene consumed comes from tomatoes and sauces made from tomatoes, including juices and ketchup.

Ripening of tomatoes increases the amount of lycopene content. It is interesting to note that the processing of tomatoes makes the lycopene more concentrated and more bioavailable.

Lycopene is insoluble in water and binds to vegetable fiber. It can only be dissolved in organic solvents and oils. Canning tomatoes and using them in recipes that are rich in oil, such as pizza or spaghetti sauce, makes the lycopene assimilate better into the blood.

Lycopene’s anti-cancer properties have been studied, with the benefits of lycopene showing the most promise for lung cancer, stomach cancer, and prostate cancer. Research has shown that lycopene also inhibits development of endometrial, breast, and colon cancers.

There are more than 50 dietary carotenoids that are bio-available to humans. While beta-carotene benefits are probably the most studied, two other carotenoids (lycopene and lutein) are now in the spotlight. These nutrients are potent antioxidants as well as powerful weapons in the battle against degenerative disease.

Studies have shown that the elderly have lower serum concentrations of lycopene, which is a possible explanation of the correlation between carotenoids and diseases related to aging.

Lycopene benefits the eyes also. It has also been studied in connection with macular degeneration and for its ability to inhibit cataract development.

Cardiovascular health is another area in which the benefits of lycopene are encouraging. A European study discovered that people with higher lycopene levels had less likelihood of dying from coronary artery disease.

Smoking and drinking regularly may deplete levels of phytonutrients. Smoking can also cause oxidation of lycopene in the body. Therefore, smoking and taking carotenoid supplements can make a person less likely to develop cardiovascular disease and lung cancer than those who smoke and do not take supplements.

If you plan on consuming lycopene supplements, it is always a good idea to consult a health care professional about safe dosage before taking any supplements.

Now that you know the many health benefits of lycopene, go ahead and grab some tomatos.

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