What is Lycopene?
Lycopene is a carotenoid and Phytonutrients. Cartenoids are plant fat soluble pigments that make the rich colours in fruits and vegetables. Phytonutrients (Anit Oxidants found in plant life) comes from the Greek word “phyto” meaning plant. They are chemicals found in plants which help fight against fungi, bugs and germs and found in fruits and vegetables.
So Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant and has a great ability to fight the damage caused by free radicals to our cells in the body. Higher levels of Lycopene in the blood may reduce the risk of cancer and other diseases and decrease cellular inflammation.
Where is Lycopene found?
Lycopene is found in red fruits and vegetables.
Is Lycopene made by the body?
No, you must get Lycopene from your daily diet. The body does not make it.
What are the sources of Lycopene?
Tomatoes. When one thinks of Tomatoes, only Lycopene comes to mind. Include tomatoes in your diet. The effect of cooked tomatoes is better than having raw tomatoes as cooking breaks down the tomato cell walls making lycopene easily available for usage.
Cooked tomatoes used in pasta recipes for more Lycopene
So you’re better off having Pasta in Tomato Sauce instead of having chopped tomatoes to at. You may get upto 5 times more Lycopene by cooking your tomatoes.
pasta in tomato sauce recipe | Indian style pasta in tomato sauce | veg pasta in red sauce for kids tiffin |
Cooked tomatoes used in soup recipes for more Lycopene
So you’re better off having Tomato Soup instead of having chopped tomatoes to at.
tomato soup recipe | veg tomato soup | Indian moong dal and tomato soup |
Lycopene rich Indian salads
Also having your tomatoes in Salads with Olive Oil (basically with a fat) will increase the body’s ability to absorb Lycopene.
Lycopene rich tomato salad | Indian tomato salad good for eyes, cancer, heart | healthy tomato salad for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s | tomato salad for weight loss | | The juicy and slightly crisp mouth-feel and awesomely tangy flavour are sure to bowl you over. The Lycopene Rich Tomato Salad is a simple treat but loaded with goodness.
Lycopene rich tomato salad | Indian tomato salad good for eyes, cancer, heart | healthy tomato salad for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s | tomato salad for weight loss |
Lycopene rich Indian juices
Rich in the antioxidant Lycopene, lycopene rich tomato juice promotes good health and reduces inflammation. It prevents hardening of arteries and destroys the harmful effects of free radicals produced in our body.
It is therefore a must to include tomatoes in our diet regularly. While it is ideal to have it chopped and eaten as such, you can also have this fresh juice if you prefer to.
lycopene rich tomato juice recipe | good for heart Indian homemade tomato juice | anti inflammatory juice | good for eyes, pregnancy tamatar juice |
Lycopene rich Indian sabzis
kadai paneer subzi recipe | restaurant style kadai paneer sabzi | homemade kadai paneer sabzi | This sabzis uses lots of cooked tomatoes which is Lycopene rich.
kadai paneer subzi recipe | restaurant style kadai paneer sabzi | homemade kadai paneer sabzi |
8 Sources of Lycopene Rich Foods
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What are the benefits of Lycopene? |
1. |
Powerful Antioxidant : Being a powerful antioxidant it’s a faster way to detox your body from the effects of processed foods and toxins you consume through foods which have been made with pesticides. |
2. |
Protects the Heart : Lycopene rich foods prevent the oxidation of LDL (bad cholesterol) from clogging the arteries. |
3. |
Good for Eyes :Lycopene provides the body with lots of Vitamin A which prevents macular degeneration of the eye leading to blindness. |
4. |
Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s : Lycopene rich diet is linked to the reduction of wear and tear of brain cells by oxidation as it’s a strong Antioxidant. |
5. |
Slows down Cancer : Being a powerful Antioxidant which fight inflammation and body cell damage resulting in slowing down various cancers. |
6. |
Bones stay Strong :Lycopene reduces oxidative damage to the bones that cause it to be brittle and lead to easy fractures. Don’t forget that Calcium and Vitamin K are crucial for strong bones. |