Lycopene, a Protector of the Prostate

Nutrient Family:    

• Phytonutrient/Phytochemical

               > Sub-Group:      Carotenoid

                  §  Color:     Bright Red

Lycopene's Workings

Fat or Water Soluble Antioxidant: 

• Fat Soluble

 

Other functions besides being an antioxidant, required for:

• Enhancing communications between human organs and tissues

Where Is Lycopene Found Naturally?

Lycopene can be found in plants.

In our body, it can be found in the following body parts:

• Prostate
• Lungs
• Liver
• Adrenal Glands
• Colon
• Blood
• Skin

 

It cannot be produced by the body and hence, we have to obtain Lycopene from foods and/or supplements.

 

Examples of food sources:

• Tomatoes
• Carrot
• Bell Pepper
• Watermelon
• Papaya
• Guava
• Pink Grapefruit
• Rosehip
• Gac fruit (Dragon Fruit)

 

One interesting fact is that Lycopene is found to be of higher concentration in cooked tomatoes and processed tomatoes products vs. fresh uncooked tomatoes. Additionally, when consumed with some fats, its absorption rate is higher, simply because it’s a fat soluble nutrient.

Health Benefits of Lycopene

Examples of the health benefits of Lycopene:

• Twice as effective as beta-carotene as an antioxidant.
• Prevent oxidation of  LDL cholesterol that can lead to clogged arteries. Hence, it is helpful in prevention of:

      o  Atherosclerosis

      o  Heart Diseases that is caused by clogged arteries

• Reduce the risks of cancer through arresting free radicals and hindering cells communication amongst cancer cells, obstructing their growth – in particular:

      o  Prostate cancer

      o  Cervical cancer

      o  Breast cancer

      o  Lung cancer
      o  Mouth cancer

      o  Pharynx cancer

      o  Esophagus cancer

      o  Stomach cancer
      o  Colon cancer
      o  Rectum cancer

It is particularly beneficial to the following parts of the body :

• Prostate
• Mammary Glands
• Cervix
• Liver
• Bladder
• Lungs

Lycopene's Use As A Food Coloring

Use a Food Addictive:

• E160d

Due to its bright red color, it's used extensively as food coloring.

Home > Types of Antioxidants > Return to the Top - Lycopene