What is Lycopene? Lycopene is a carotenoid (Antioxidant). It's a natural color pigment usually found in certain fruits and vegetables. Lycopene is also known as - "All-Trans Lycopene, All-Trans Lycopene, Cis-Lycopene, Licopeno, Lycopene, Lycopenes, Lycopenes, Psi-Psi-Carotene, Psi-Psi-Carotene".
Good Sources of Lycopene : Carotenoid in Lycopene acts as a very powerful antioxidant. Some of the good sources of Lycopene are :
- Pink Grapefruit
- Guava
- Watermelon
Note:-For those who are allergic to tomatoes, you can eat watermelon instead
- Pomegranate
- Rosehips
- Apricots (Small Amounts)
- Persimmon (Small Amounts)
- Gac
- Asparagus (One of the few Green Vegetables containing Lycopene)
- Red Bell Pepper
- Red Cabbage
- Beets
- Tomatoes
Note:-Studies have shown that human body may absorb lycopene more easily when it is cooked, canned or otherwise processed. Example : Tomato Sauce & Tomato Paste
- Carrots
- Papaya
Health Conditions:-
Lycopene may play a very important role in the prevention and treatment of many illnesses and diseases sych as :
- Prevents Age-related macular degeneration
- Prevents the aging of skin and keeps it younger looking
- Acts as an internal sunscreen and protects your skin from sunburn
- Breast cancer
- Cardiovascular disease
- Cataracts
- Cervical cancer
- Exercise-induced asthma
- Lycopene is also been known to help prevent osteoporosis
- Infertility - Research suggests that lycopene may help in the treatment of infertility. It can help boost sperm concentration in men
- Helps prevent diabetes
- High Blood Pressure
- Lung cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Skin cancer
- Stomach cancer
Note:-Lycopene is a fat-soluble substance and therefore, requires the presence of dietary fat for proper absorption through the digestive tract. Also, remember, that, diet overloaded in lycopene can hamper your immune system. Excessive lycopene intake has been linked to temporary orange-hued skin discoloration called as "Lycopenodermia" but it is not dangerous and skin color returns to normal after reduction of intake.
Lycopene can also be obtained in supplement form. It is usually sold as tablets or capsules. Lycopene supplements has caused intestinal side effects in some people. There are reports of nausea, vomiting, indigestion, diarrhea, gas and bloating from those people who took higher dosages of lycopene supplements. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding or taking any prescription drugs, make sure you take your doctor's advice before taking any supplements.