Lycopene Powerful Antioxidant
Lycopene is an organic compound belonging to the isoprenoid series responsible for the red color of the tomato also including the hips, halves of wild rose and many other popular fruits. Lycopene
Is a powerful antioxidant found in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, watermelons, pink grapefruits, guava, red bell peppers, persimmon, papaya, red cabbage and asparagus. Lycopene and beta carotene are both carotenoids considered an antioxidant that helps protect damaging cells from free radicals through oxidation. Beta carotene is a reddish orange carotene found in oranges, mangoes, sweet potatoes and pumpkins. Lycopene is fat soluble and gets easily absorbed in the body when taken with monounsaturated fats. Nuts, seeds, fatty fish, and egg dishes. Lycopene antioxidant properties may help reduce the risk of certain cancers. “ Lycopene is a carotenoid nutraceutical that enhances protection against cancer, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, neurodegenerative and inflammatory disease.
It is naturally found in the trans isomer in varying concentrations in tomatoes but also other red fruits such as red carrots, watermelons, grapefruits and papaya.” PubMed Lycopene can improve heart health, reducing cholesterol levels and lowering blood pressure. It may help reduce the risk of developing age related macular degeneration, a common cause of vision loss in older adults. Lycopene may help protect the skin from sun damage while improving skin texture. Topical lycopene provides constant skin cellular function combating age fighting free radicals assisting in metabolic growth and repair. “Lycopene's powerful antioxidant action and the ability to defend your skin against UV radiation are due in large part to its unique molecular design which is responsible for lycopene red appearance and the ability to block UV light. Though lycopene’s sun protection is only equivalent to approximately SPF-3 and isn't adequate to sun protection by itself it is still a valuable added benefit for your skin.” Life Extension
Some studies suggest lycopene can help improve insulin sensitivity reducing the risk of diabetes. NOW supplement Lycopene 20 mg with natural extracts from tomatoes supports vascular health. Lycopene is well known for its powerful free radical scavenger properties. Clinical studies indicate that Lycopene helps support cardiovascular function and boost immunity function. NOW Lycopene features LYC-O-MATO, a patented tomato complex with a full complement of tomato phytonutrients including natural lycopene. The Tomato plant (Solanum lycopersicum) is a flowering plant of the nightshade family (Solanaceae) and is cultivated for its edible fruits. It is labeled as a vegetable for nutritional purposes as tomatoes are considered a good source of the phytochemical lycopene, and vitamin C. One cup of tomatoes is only 32 calories, 0.36 grams fat, 7.06 grams carbs, 1.58 grams protein, 18 mg calcium, 0.49 mg iron, 427 mg potassium, 76 mcg vitamin A, 22.9 vitamin C preserving.
The fruits are commonly eaten raw in fresh salads or served cooked as a vegetable in sauces, stews, pickled, sauteed ingredients in prepared dishes. A large percentage of the world's tomato crop is used for processing products in the food industry including canned tomatoes, soups, tomato juice, ketchup puree, sun dried tomatoes, tomato paste, and dehydrated tomato pulp. Lycopene is a plant based chemical with many health benefits including sun protection, improved heart health, and lowers the risk of certain types of cancers. It can be found in topical creams, supplement forms or consumed in lycopene rich food sources increasing the effectiveness of eating a balanced diet packed with colorful fruits and vegetables.
Cheers!
Patricia Lynn
Images Courtesy of ImronDesgin at AdobeStock
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