Lycopene Benefits

Free radicals and other toxic substances in the air are perpetually plaguing our body and threatening every living being with a plethora of deadly ailments. Fortunately, lycopene is a powerful red substance present in the human serum, liver, adrenal glands, lungs, prostate, colon, and skin that barges in to our rescue! Generally found in much higher levels than any other carotenoid, the health benefits linked to lycopene are endless. Extensive research has revealed that lycopene possesses imperative   antioxidant and anti-proliferative properties in animals, although the degree of positive effects is uncertain with regards to human beings. Lycopene accounts for the bright red colour in foods such as tomatoes as a result of which it is commonly used for food coloring. However, lycopene is famous for more beneficial reasons, specifically its antioxidant and cancer fighting properties. We find traces of lycopene in red carrots, watermelons, grapefruits and papaya as well! Let’s stress on the benefits of lycopene for all kinds of people in the sections to follow. 

Benefits Of Lycopene

Prevention Of Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration that occurs amongst the ageing which invariably results in loss of vision can be prevented by increasing intake of lycopene. There is no definite assurance, but it is always better to take precautionary measures. It also guards against aging of the skin.

Can Curb Asthma Caused By Exercise
As we all know, laboratory research indicates lycopene to possess imperative antioxidant properties. In fact, lycopene may be a blessing in disguise for those suffering from the asthma triggered by exercise. 

Cancer Prevention
Isn’t it interesting that people whose diets are rich in fruits and development rarely end up with cancer? Tomatoes which are sources of other nutrients such as vitamin C, folate, and potassium (besides lycopene) promises to lower the risk of developing cancer, as proven by several epidemiologic and scientific studies. Harvard Medical School’s Dr. Edward Giovannuci has found proof that tomatoes actually interrupt breast tumor cells. However, due to a lack of well-designed human research using lycopene supplements, this issue remains unclear. Similarly, substantial intake of lycopene reduces the perils of developing lung and prostate cancer.

Narrows Down Vulnerability Towards Atherosclerosis And High Cholesterol
The mere thought of “clogged arteries” is too ghastly to skip every preventive measure available. If research suggests that the antioxidant properties of lycopene could limit one’s susceptibility to atherosclerosis or high cholesterol, then take the plunge and binge on the rich-in-lycopene tomato stock in your kitchen. Tomato juice is the magic preventive potion!

Breast Cancer And Cervical Cancer Prevention
Medical researchers have tested animals and observed large samples of human beings to arrive at a directly proportional relationship between the rate of breast cancer development and lycopene levels in the body or intake of tomato. Studies also say that lycopene can prevent the prevalence of cervical cancer! Why risk the possibility when all it takes is one glass of tomato juice a day?

Sun Protection And Immune Stimulation
Lycopene when coupled with other other carotenoids such as beta-carotene, vitamins C an E, selenium and proanthocyanidins help exponentially in decreasing sunburn. A few selected protective features present in lycopene inhibit the formation of singlet oxygen produced due to excessive exposure to UV Rays. Lycopene may also positively stimulate the immune system.

Lowers High Blood Pressure
Those who suffer from soaring levels of cholesterol lack those intrinsic liver enzymes necessary to break down and eliminate the 'low density lipoproteins' (LDLs). Fortunately, lycopene can boost a person’s body to regain the desired levels of cholesterol. 

Other Benefits
Lycopene greatly provides assistance with problems such as diabetes and cardiovascular system issues and disease. It may also prevent osteoporosis and reduce fertility problems in men. Moreover, lycopene may reduce the development of pre-eclampsia and intrauterine growth retardation in women having their first child.