Lycopene is a carotene found in tomatoes and other red fruits and vegetables. It is a powerful antioxidant and may be the most powerful quencher of singlet oxygen. In tests, it has been found to be hundred times more efficient in quenching the singlet-oxygen than vitamin E. Its powerful antioxidant actions are effective in maintaining the strength, thickness and fluidity of cell membranes (which are the guardians of cells).
Benefits of Lycopene
Lycopene is said to have various benefits:
• Combatting cancers, especially prostate cancer, mouth cancer and others.
• Guarding against aging of the skin.
• Helping with problems such as diabetes and cardiovascular problems.
• Preventing osteoporosis.
• Assisting with fertility problems in men.
Sources of Lycopene
Lycopene is available in gac, tomatoes, grapefruit (pink), watermelons, guavas (pink), rosehips and papaya.
The processing of tomatoes increases the concentration of lycopene. Thus, processed tomato products such as tomato juice, soup, sauce, and ketchup have higher concentrations of lycopene than raw tomatoes.
Lycopene is now an ingredient in many multivitamin supplements and is also available in lycopene capsules (for example, LycoRed).
As you grow older, Lycopene should be something you should consider having regularly. So, the next time your wife is forcing you to have a bowl of tomato soup, go for it!
Visual Courtesy:http://www.flickr.com/photos/36008503@N03/
