Health Benefits of Lycopene Extract

Lycopene is a powerfull antioxidant. It makes tomatoes red. It is soluble in oils and insoluble in water. Lycopene is easily absorbed by the organism and is naturally present in human plasma and tissues in higher concentrations than the other carotenoids

Lycopene may be the most powerful carotenoid quencher of singlet oxygen,  being 100 times more efficient in test tube studies of singlet-oxygen quenching  action than vitamin E, which in turn has 125 times the quenching action of  glutathione (water soluble). Singlet oxygen produced during exposure to  ultraviolet light is a primary cause of skin aging.Ongoing preliminary research suggests that lycopene is associated with reduced  risk of macular degenerative disease, serum lipid oxidation and cancers of the  lung, bladder, cervix and skin.

Lycopene is a naturally occurring chemical that gives fruits and vegetables a red color. It is one of a number of pigments called carotenoids. Lycopene is found in watermelons, pink grapefruits, apricots, and pink guavas. It is found in particularly high amounts in tomatoes and tomato products. In North America, 85% of dietary lycopene comes from tomato products such as tomato juice or paste. One cup (240 mL) of tomato juice provides about 23 mg of lycopene. Processing raw tomatoes  using heat (in the making of tomato juice,  tomato paste or ketchup, for example) actually changes the lycopene  in the raw product into a form that is  easier for the body to use. The lycopene in supplements  is  about as easy for the body to use as lycopene found in food.

Antioxidants are so important for many reasons, especially in a world where processed food has eliminated most of what gives your body the ability to prevent and fight disease. Lycopene is an antioxidant that might as well be worth its weight in gold for the incredible things from which it protects your body.

Health Benefits of Lycopene Extract

Anti – Ageing Properties

When ingested, Lycopene is converted to Vitamin A or Retinol by the body. Retinol is one of the best ways to reduce the effects of ageing as it promotes the production of collagen and melatonin, both of which regulate the overall health of the skin.

Antioxidant

Lycopene, one of more than 600 carotenoids found in nature, is a powerful antioxidant, probably more powerful than beta carotene. Studies show it works well together with several other antioxidants, including vitamin E and flavonoids.

Heart Disease

The number one killer, heart disease, is often linked to the presence of too much cholesterol in the body. Lycopene rich food, if taken regularly, prevents the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, preventing it from clogging the arteries.

Skin Lightening

The mild nature of Lycopene promotes the functioning of Melanin, which regulates skin color. It has been shown to reduce skin darkening and age spots.

Blood Pressure, hypertension

Researchers in Israel have found that a daily dose of lycopene helped lower blood pressure among 31 men and women with mild hypertension. On average, their systolic pressure — the top number in a blood-pressure reading — dropped 10 points, while their diastolic pressure, or bottom number

Eyesight and vision

Lycopene is a carotenoid that provides healthy eyesight support. It is found in the eye but lutein and zeaxanthin are found in much higher concentrations.

Heart, blood vessels

Lycopene and other carotenoids may provide healthy support to the cardiovascular system. As an antioxidant it helps protect cholesterol from being oxidized.Cardiovascular disease is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in the United States and worldwide.

Cancer

Population studies show that people who eat large amounts of foods with lycopene, such as cooked tomatoes, have a reduced risk of certain cancers including cervix, mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, colon and rectum. While animal and laboratory studies show lycopene to hold promise as a cancer treatment, long term human studies are determine to learn whether the results apply to humans.