Lycopene

Lycopene is a naturally occurring chemical that gives fruits and vegetables a red color. It is one of a number of pigments called carotenoids. Lycopene is found in watermelons, pink grapefruits, apricots, and pink guavas. It is found in particularly high amounts in tomatoes and tomato products. In North America, 85% of dietary lycopene comes from tomato products such as tomato juice or paste. One cup (240 mL) of tomato juice provides about 23 mg of lycopene. Processing raw tomatoes using heat (in the making of tomato juice, tomato paste or ketchup, for example) actually changes the lycopene in the raw product into a form that is easier for the body to use. The lycopene in our formula is about as easy for the body to use as lycopene found in food.

Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that may help protect cells from damage. This is why there is a lot of research interest in lycopene’s role in preventing cancer of the prostate, breast, lung, bladder, ovaries, colon, and pancreas.[1][2][3][5] People also take lycopene for preventing heart disease, "hardening of the arteries" (atherosclerosis). Lycopene stops LDL cholesterol from being oxidized by free radicals and in turn cannot be deposited in the plaques which narrows and hardens the arteries.[6] Lycopene is also used for treating human papilloma virus (HPV) infection, which is a major cause of uterine cancer.[6][7] Some people use lycopene for cataracts and asthma. Research suggests that lycopene may help in the treatment of infertility. Results from tests showed that lycopene can boost sperm concentration in men.

Other health benefits:

• Helps prevent diabetes.
• Prevents age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.
• Prevents the aging of skin and keeps it younger looking.
• Acts as an internal sunscreen and protects your skin from sunburn.
• Lycopene is also been known to help prevent osteoporosis.

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. The information provided above comes in part from WebMD.

References

1. Kucuk, O., Sarkar, F. H., Djuric, Z., Sakr, W., Pollak, M. N., Khachik, F., ... & Wood, D. P. (2002). Effects of lycopene supplementation in patients with localized prostate cancer. Experimental Biology and Medicine, 227(10), 881-885.

2. Sahin, K., Onderci, M., Sahin, N., Gursu, M. F., Khachik, F., & Kucuk, O. (2006). Effects of lycopene supplementation on antioxidant status, oxidative stress, performance and carcass characteristics in heat-stressed Japanese quail. Journal of Thermal Biology, 31(4), 307-312.

3. Kim, J. Y., Paik, J. K., Kim, O. Y., Park, H. W., Lee, J. H., Jang, Y., & Lee, J. H. (2011). Effects of lycopene supplementation on oxidative stress and markers of endothelial function in healthy men. Atherosclerosis, 215(1), 189-195.

4. Hughes, D. A., Wright, A. J., Finglas, P. M., Polley, A. C., Bailey, A. L., Astley, S. B., & Southon, S. (2000). Effects of lycopene and lutein supplementation on the expression of functionally associated surface molecules on blood monocytes from healthy male nonsmokers. Journal of Infectious Diseases, 182(Supplement 1), S11-S15.

5. Giovannucci, E. (1999). Tomatoes, tomato-based products, lycopene, and cancer: review of the epidemiologic literature. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 91(4), 317-331.

6. Rao, A. V., & Agarwal, S. (2000). Role of antioxidant lycopene in cancer and heart disease. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 19(5), 563-569.

7. Rao, A. V., & Agarwal, S. (1998). Bioavailability and in vivo antioxidant properties of lycopene from tomato products and their possible role in the prevention of cancer.