Lycopene is a naturally occurring pigment that gives fruits and vegetables their red color. It is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells in our body and may have benefits for our heart and overall health.
Full definition
Erdman, doctoral student Nancy Engelmann, and «plant gurus» Randy Rogers and Mary Ann Lila first learned to optimize the production
of lycopene in tomato cell cultures.
In a study testing the levels of
lycopene in different - colored ketchups, it was inadvertently found that organic varieties deliver up to three times as much of the cancer - fighting carotenoid as non-organic brands!
Canned tomato sauce has more beta carotene than fresh tomatoes as well as four times the powerful
antioxidant lycopene which helps to protect the skin against sunburn and sun - induced skin aging.
Type II: Phyto - antioxidants include Flavinoids such as those in green tea and green vegetables, Carotenoids such
as lycopene from tomatoes and B - carotene from carrots
Absorption of
lycopene from the cherry tomatoes was disproportionately low compared with the relative contents and absorption of α - carotene in the carrots or total β - carotene contributed by all of the salad vegetables.
Watermelon is low in calories, and packed with antioxidants like
lycopene which research has linked to a reduced risk of certain cancers.
Processed tomato products are the richest source of the antioxidant
called lycopene, which has been associated with a reduced risk of prostate, lung and stomach cancer, as well as pancreatic, colorectal, esophageal, oral, breast, and cervical cancers.
This salad is a good source of antioxidants,
including lycopene for your heart and lutein and zeaxanthin for your eyes, thanks to the tomatoes and fresh basil.
These vegetables are also good sources
for lycopene and other antioxidants, including vitamin C.
Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, and the antioxidant
carotenoid lycopene (good for your prostates, fellas!).
To date, there has not been a whole lot of research on the long - term effects of
lycopene on overall rabbit health, but there has been a substantial amount of research on other animals (and short - term research on buns!).
Adding a little bit of oil while sauteing or cooking tomatoes can help aid in
lycopene absorption.
This simple, easy to put together, chunky, rich tomato sauce has a high antioxidant content, including a rich concentration of
lycopene found in tomatoes.
I recommend taking a daily
lycopene supplement containing from 10 mg to 30 mg for prostate health.
Another option is to
get lycopene from processed tomato sauces, like marinara sauce or ketchup.
Red produce — like tomatoes — contains cancer -
fighting lycopene and anthocyanins, which may also lower your risk of heart disease and stroke.
«Tomato paste rich in
lycopene protects against cutaneous photodamage in humans in vivo: a randomized controlled trial.»
One case in point are studies that show that the human body is able to
absorb lycopene better from tomato sauce than from raw tomatoes — cooking tomatoes improves the bioavailability of the antioxidant, he said.
«Our team has learned to grow tomato plants in suspension culture that
produce lycopene molecules with a heavier molecular weight.
Tomato sauce packs an even bigger healthy punch since stewing tomatoes
boosts lycopene, so be sure and enjoy your favorite marinara as a dip or atop pasta.
Make sure you cook your tomatoes to unlock the
most lycopene possible.
Whole food versus supplement: comparing the clinical evidence of tomato intake and
lycopene supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors
Lycopene also appears to protect the lungs and heart against oxidative damage, helping to ward off cardiovascular disease.
And for more on the benefits of the
phytonutrient lycopene: Treating Asthma With Fruits and Vegetables Why Might Vegetarians Have Less HPV?
Tomatoes are rich in the red
pigment lycopene, which targets heart disease and cancer.
Dietary
lycopene intake and risk of prostate cancer defined by ERG protein expression [Abstract].
A study showed that combining tomatoes or
lycopene extract with saw palmetto, and other herbs that have shown to benefit prostate cancer, increases the effectiveness of the other herbs.
Several studies have shown that consuming more
lycopene reduces oxidative stress and bone loss — which means your dog will be less likely to suffer from broken bones or osteoporosis in their twilight years.
Using Hunt's tomatoes is a great way to get a significant source of fiber, Vitamin C and the antioxidant
lycopene into your diet.
In addition to identifying important regulatory components of ripening, the lab also investigates
lycopene production.
Compared to fresh, canned tomato products are particularly healthful; the processing
makes lycopene, a carotenoid that provides anti-cancer and heart - health benefits, easier for your body to absorb.
Lycopene occurs naturally in tomatoes, watermelon, apricots and other fiery - hued.
BPH is also greatly reduced in men who
consume lycopene rich foods four - to - five times a week.
In addition, this meal
provides lycopene, a powerful antioxidant associated with lower rates of cardiovascular disease.
The new formulations provide deeper red
lycopene colour with blue backgrounds, similar to the shades from carmine.