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. So you’re better off having Pasta in Tomato Sauce or Tomato Soup instead of having chopped tomatoes to at. You may get upto 5 times more Lycopene by cooking your tomatoes. Also having your tomatoes in Salads with Olive Oil (basically with a fat) will increase the body’s ability to absorb Lycopene.
List of Lycopene Rich Foods | |
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1. | Tomatoes |
2. | Grapefruit |
3. | Watermelons |
4. | Papayas |
5. | Guava |
6. | Red Cabbage |
7. | Carrots |
8. | Mango |
What are the benefits of Lycopene? | |
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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. |