Lycopene – what it is, benefits, what it is for and how to use it!

Lycopene is a plant nutrient with antioxidant properties. It is the pigment that gives red and pink fruits, such as tomatoes , watermelons and pink grapefruit, their characteristic color. Lycopene has been linked  to health benefits, from heart health to protection from sunburn and certain types of cancer. This article looks at the health benefits and main dietary sources of lycopene .

Lycopene what is it?

Lycopene is a plant pigment from the  beta-carotene family, responsible for the reddish color of foods, which has a potent antioxidant action, helping to fight cellular aging. Foods rich in Lycopene  are: tomato , guava , watermelon , papaya and pitanga , but this is not their only function.

Tomato lycopene  is well known and studied for its action in preventing prostate cancer, as it prevents the development of cancer cells. The ideal is that the tomato is consumed warm, in the form of sauce, roasted or sautéed with a thread of olive oil, because in this way it is possible to increase the use by our organism.

How lycopene works:

Lycopene  is the most effective antioxidant among the carotenoids that have beta-carotene. Research shows that its antioxidant action is able to maintain the strength, thickness and fluidity of cell membranes.

Currently people take Lycopene  for the prevention of heart diseases like atherosclerosis, to treat cancers of the prostate, breast, lung, bladder, ovaries, colon, and pancreas. Lycopene  is also used in the treatment of HPV virus infection, which is a major cause of uterine cancer .

Some people also use Lycopene  to treat cataracts and asthma. Lycopene  has an excellent antioxidant association, which is Selenium , which acts as a cellular antioxidant that helps maintain the immune system and promotes increased effectiveness of Vitamin E.

Protects the skin against ultraviolet rays, assists in thyroid function contributing to the synthesis of T3 and T4 hormones. It is also used to prevent prostate-related diseases. It strengthens the immune system, increasing the body’s resistance, giving it strength to fight malignant cells.

Lycopene sources:

All natural foods with a rich pink to red color usually contain some Lycopene . Tomatoes are the biggest source of food, and the more ripe, the more Lycopene  they contain. But you can find this nutrient in a number of other foods as well. Here is a list of foods that contain the most Lycopene  per 100 grams:

There is currently no recommended daily intake of Lycopene . However, from current studies, intakes between 8 to 21 mg per day appear to be most beneficial.

What is lycopene for?

Among the main effects of Lycopene , its antioxidant action can be highlighted, which promotes various effects in the body. Check out its main benefits – Lycopene :

• It fights free radicals, substances that cause damage to cells, formed by UV rays, pollution, poor diet, among others, in addition to being involved with the emergence and development of numerous diseases;
• Prevention of cellular aging of the skin;
• Support for the immune system, strengthening the defense of our body;
• Prevention of cardiovascular diseases, contributing to heart health.

In addition, Lycopene  also contributes to tanning and protects the skin against UVA and UVB rays.

Lycopene Benefits:

Lycopene may  also offer a number of other health benefits – the most researched include:

1. Anti aging skin :

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

2. Hair loss and DHT reduction :

A good daily intake of lycopene-rich foods can  help the body reduce excess DHT from the system and slow down the process of hair loss and male pattern baldness.

3. Hair growth :

Studies have shown that lycopene  intake can increase the scalp’s ability to support hair growth by reducing breakage and shedding.

4. Osteoporosis :

Recent studies have shown that adopting a diet rich in Lycopene  prevents fragility and thinness of bones – the main cause behind osteoporosis.

5. Macular Degeneration :

Lycopene helps maintain overall eye  health and prevent macular degeneration by providing the body with a healthy dose of Retinol or Vitamin A.

Lycopene Capsules:

In natural markets and pharmacies, bottles with the isolated Lycopene  capsule or with additives such as vitamin E and zinc are found . These capsules promise to prevent cancer and premature aging, but also to fight male sterility, female osteoporosis, control cholesterol and even fight cardiovascular problems.

However, research carried out by the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro indicated that the ingestion of isolated Lycopene  carotene does not present results, since its action is only beneficial if consumed with other nutrients from tomato  and its derivatives.

That is, although lycopene  acts as a powerful antioxidant , its action is only effective when combined with the intake of other substances, such as phytotene, phytofluene and beta- carotene , nutrients present in red fruits.