Lycopene is a standard natural pigment that adds a red color to vegetables and fruits. Tomatoes are said to contain the highest percentage of pigment at approximately 80 percent. Lycopene is a potent antioxidant needed by the body.
Health benefits of Lycopene
1. Efficient antioxidant
Lycopene is an efficient antioxidant. The pigment helps to hinder body damage occasioned by free radical compounds. For body damage to remain low, free extreme levels must remain low too. Also, the pigment greatly hinders damage caused by herbicides, pesticides, and fungi.
2. prevention of some types of cancer
The natural pigment is beneficial in the prevention of some types of cancer. Studies have shown that the stain impedes breast cancer in women and prevents tumor growth. Research also proved that high lycopene consumption of above 9 percent immensely reduces the chances of developing prostate cancer in men.
3. prevention of heart diseases
Lycopene is critical in the prevention of heart diseases in humans. This is made possible by the ability of Lycopene to reduce damages caused by free radicals and boost recommended HDL cholesterol levels.
4. effectively guards against sunburns
The pigment effectively defends against sunburns. Lycopene has been proven to protect against the damaging effects of direct exposure to sunlight. In a three-month study conducted, participants were exposed to ultraviolet rays before and after consuming a placebo or 16 milligrams of Lycopene.
5. alleviate neuropathy disease
The pigments are known to mitigate neuropathy disease. Lycopene has pain-inhibiting reliable power, which lessens pains in neuropathy patients. Neuropathy is a severe medical condition triggered by nerve and soft body tissue damage. Lycopene is a powerful antinociceptive that has a therapeutic value for neuropathy patients.
6. protect your eyesight
Lycopene may also help to protect your eye. The pigment is highly useful in preventing the development of cataracts, which impair vision. This way, it contains the risk of molecular degeneration, which has the potential to degenerate into blindness.
7. protection for your brain
The pigment may offer protection for your brain. Lycopene has powerful antioxidant properties, which help thwart seizures and memory failure. These conditions result from old age or ailments like Alzheimer’s.
8. protection for your brain
Lycopene protection for your brain. The pigment is a potent antioxidant, and it, therefore, reduces the death of bone cells. Also, the coloring reinforces a perfect bone architecture making the bones stronger and healthier.
Examples of foods that contain Lycopene
Below are typical examples of foods that contain a substantial amount of Lycopene today.
- Pine grapefruit
- Papaya
- Canned tomatoes
- Guava
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Watermelon
- Fresh tomatoes
- Mangoes
- Asparagus
- Red Cabbage
- Carrots
- Gac
- Cooked red peppers.
- Grapefruits
Warnings and Side Effects of Lycopene
Excess consumption of Lycopene is known to cause a severe skin discoloration called lycopenodermia.
Consumption of Lycopene should be avoided for at least two weeks after surgery. This is because the pigment causes blood clotting. Blood clotting may result in over bleeding during surgery which could be highly fatal. For safety, patients should avoid Lycopene 14 days before the scheduled surgery.
Lycopene is not recommended for pregnant and lactating women. A study showed that consuming a specific lycopene supplement in quantities like 3 milligrams between three months to five months of pregnancy may trigger premature infant birth. Pregnant women are thus advised to avoid lycopene-rich supplements during pregnancy.
