Lycopene is a natural compound found in bright red fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, watermelons and grapefruits. Lycopene is a carotenoid, which are yellow, orange or red pigments that give its plants this color. Lycopene has been linked to many health benefits, including disease prevention and protection.
Tomato products have the highest amounts of lycopene and ketchup, tomato juice and pizza sauce are considered the highest sources of lycopene in an average diet for a person living in the United States, accounting for 80 percent of the population's lycopene intake.
One of the major benefits of lycopene is that it is an antioxidant and protects the body from damage caused by free radical stress, which can damage DNA and other cellular structures.
The antioxidant properties help balance free radical activity in the body and, in doing so, may offer protection against certain diseases, keep bones strong and healthy, and aid vision by helping to delay or prevent cataracts, macular degeneration, and other age-related eye disorders.
Although more research is needed, previous studies have established a connection between lycopene and cancer prevention. Because of its antioxidant profile, lycopene can stop cancer growth and build up enzymes in the body that help break down cancer-causing agents.
It's also important to note that cancer prevention has been shown to increase with the consumption of fruits and vegetables, not just lycopene.
Research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that in addition to its antioxidant properties, lycopene may have the ability to reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol levels.
There may also be a connection with those who have higher amounts of lycopene in their tissues and a lower risk of heart attack, blocked or clogged arteries, lower blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases.
While cancer prevention and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease are among two of the biggest potential benefits of lycopene, the carotenoid may have additional benefits if someone has a diet rich in lycopene.
A study published in the journal Neurology found that lycopene may help prevent strokes, particularly strokes caused by blood clots. Researchers think this is because lycopene improves cholesterol levels in addition to reducing inflammation, two factors that can contribute to a stroke.
Lycopene along with other carotenoids may also protect against UV damage caused by the sun. It is important to note, however, that lycopene does not (and should not) replace SPF.
When consumed in foods, lycopene is safe for everyone to eat. Eating excessive amounts of lycopene could lead to a condition called lycopenemia, which is an orange or red discoloration of the skin. The condition itself is harmless and disappears by eating a diet low in lycopene.
Lycopene is available in supplement form, but should be avoided by people who are pregnant or breastfeeding as some research has found that taking a daily supplement increases the risk of premature births and low birth weight.
Lycopene may also increase the risk of bleeding while taking certain medications such as aspirin, anticoagulants (blood thinners), anti-platelet drugs, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen. The same goes for mixing lycopene and herbs that can increase bleeding, such as ginkgo biloba.
Those who take medication for low blood pressure should not take lycopene, as it may cause an even greater lowering of blood pressure.
Avoid mixing with herbs that affect asthma, cancer, anti-inflammatory herbs, cholesterol-lowering herbs, fertility herbs, supplements and herbs for heart, gastric or lung disorders, the immune system, the nervous system and herbs and supplements that help prevent bone loss.
Some supplements such as beta-carotene, calcium, and lutein, when taken with lycopene, may reduce the amount of lycopene absorbed by the intestines. Chronic and excessive alcohol consumption can also cause a side effect with lycopene, decreasing its effectiveness in protecting against disease.
