Lycopene belongs to carotenoid family. Carotenoids are pigments found naturally in plant kingdom. They are fat soluble pigments, usually found in red, green, orange colored fruits and vegetables. There are many members in carotenoid family, such as beta carotene, alpha carotene, lycopene, lutein etc. Lycopene is a pigment found in many fruits and vegetable that gives them brilliant red color. The blush that you see in ripe tomatoes is due to high content of lycopene pigment. Besides tomatoes, lycopene is also present in papaya, watermelon, pink guava, grape fruit etc.
Lycopene dietary supplements have become very popular in recent times because of various beneficial properties that lycopene possesses.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Lycopene?
Lycopene supplements may be effective in many conditions, especially for those living in places where this nutrient is not consumed much in their regular diet. Besides, the benefits and utilization of the lycopene supplements may require more human trials and research statistical data.
- As an antioxidant: it is a potent natural antioxidant. Lycopene helps in destroying the free radicals that damage the cells.
- Controls blood pressure: it has been suggested that daily intake of lycopene has helped in reducing blood pressure in people having mild hypertension.
- Since lycopene is a carotenoid, it helps in age related macular degeneration and eye sight problems.
- Lycopene helps to protect the heart and prevents deposition of fat in the arteries, also called atherosclerosis.
- It also possesses anti bacterial and antifungal properties. Lycopene is effective in reducing gum inflammation due to bacterial infection. It also helps in eradicating Candida infection.
- It has been observed that people who eat lycopene containing foods such as cooked tomatoes have less risk of cancer. This includes prostate cancer, cancer of cervix, and cancer of pancreas, colon and rectum.
Side Effects Of Lycopene Supplements
Lycopene obtained from consuming vegetable and fruit has no known side effects. While the same is true with lycopene supplements, certain people may consider taking it in the form of natural food instead. Lycopene supplements in healthy persons are relatively safe, and they do not have side effects. However if someone experiences mild gastric disturbance, then it is better to take it after food.
- Since lycopene is known to posses anti hypertensive properties, a person taking anti hypertensive medicines may experience additional low blood pressure.
- A person who has tomato allergy should avoid it, since lycopene is present in tomato and the supplement is derived after processing tomato. Though tomato allergy is rare, it may present as running nose, itching, watering and burning of eyes etc.
- Pregnant women, nursing mothers and children should not take lycopene supplements due to the lack of any information regarding its safety. Instead, it can be obtained by eating fruits and vegetables containing lycopene.
Some Facts About Lycopene Supplements
- Lycopene supplements are available in various health and nutrition stores over the counter.
- It is also possible to order the supplement online.
- Lycopene supplements are sold either as an individual product, or it is combined with other multivitamins and antioxidants.
- Those who eat enough amounts of fruits and vegetables may not need lycopene supplements.
- Use lycopene supplements manufactured by companies following GMP (good manufacturing practice). Such products have a label of GMP.
- Lycopene supplements are usually available in soft gels or capsules.
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