What Is Lycopene And Why Is It Good For You
What is lycopene?
Lycopene is both a carotene and a carotenoid. A carotenoid is a plant pigment that has several functions in photosynthesis and chlorophyll protection.
There are two types of carotenoids, xanthophylls such as lutein, and carotenes such as lycopene. Lycopene is the pigment responsible for the deep orange, pink or red in some fruits and vegetables. Some of it is found in watermelon, tomatoes, pink grapefruit, papaya and apricots. However, it is not found in strawberries or cherries.
As a carotenoid, lycopene is a plant substance that cannot be produced naturally by animals and humans. Lycopene protects plants from ultraviolet radiation and is therefore an anti-oxidant. As such, tomatoes have received good promotion because of lycopene.
In contrast, tomatine is a toxic poison found in the stems and leaves of tomato plants that functions as a fungicide. A gram of raw tomatoes may contain as high as 40 micrograms of lycopene. However, it was found that lycopene is bound within the tomatoes cellular structure, and crushing, heating and processing it makes it more available. In fact, tomato juice, tomato sauce and even tomato ketchup typically contains 100 micrograms of lycopene per gram.
Now that we have an idea on what is lycopene, let us answer the latter question of why it is good for us.
Similar to carotenes, lycopene is a phytonutrient that has benefits associated with lower risks and incidences of serious major diseases. Lycopene is a fat-soluble nutrient that is transported by lipoproteins through the bloodstream and is found to be highly concentrated in fatty tissues and organs such as the lungs, liver, adrenal glands, and testes. From these locations, they work their wonders.
Unlike other carotenes, lycopene does not have vitamin A activity, and is therefore best taken with other carotenoids to meet the RDA of vitamin A. As such, it is left alone to do other important work such as stabilizing singlet oxygen.
Singlet oxygen is a non-stable form of molecular oxygen which usually is triplet oxygen. The importance of stabilizing singlet oxygen is because it is highly reactive with UV radiation, and once it reacts, it produces free radicals. Singlet oxygen also causes lipid oxidation which can react with LDL cholesterol and make it stick to arterial walls, starting atherosclerosis. Therefore, lycopene, as an anti-oxidant, sorts of nips free-radical damage in the bud.
Based on its properties and actions, it is therefore wise to take advantage of this nutrient. For food sources, the brighter the red, the better. Another way to take it is in convenient supplement form. There is no recommended dietary intake for lycopene. However, taking a supplement with other mixed carotenoids of between 5000 IU and 25,000 IU is beneficial.
Lycopene is a good way to prevent heart disease, vision loss, and lower the risk of certain cancers such as lung and prostate cancer. Look for a reputable supplement manufacturer that uses only natural and organic ingredients. Read the labels and it is safe to follow the recommended dosage by the manufacturer as listed in the label if it is from a quality source.
For more information on lycopene supplements and to discover what we use for to keep our own health in tip shop shape, be sure to check out our benefits of lycopene post here.
Filed under: Nutrients
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