The powerful benefits of Tomato Lycopene
Tomatoes are one of the most popular and widely consumed vegetables worldwide. Beyond their delicious taste in homemade pasta sauce and pizza, tomatoes provide an abundant source of an important plant compound called lycopene. Lycopene is a powerful carotenoid antioxidant that gives tomatoes their bright red color and offers numerous health benefits. Here’s a closer look at this important nutrient found in tomatoes.
What is Tomato Lycopene?
Lycopene is a bright red carotenoid pigment and phytochemical found in tomatoes and other red fruits and vegetables. As an antioxidant, Tomato Lycopene has the ability to quench damaging compounds called free radicals that can react with and damage cells. Free radical damage is thought to contribute to the aging process and development of various diseases over time. Lycopene is one of the most potent carotenoid antioxidants and has been shown to help protect against heart disease, cancer, and other chronic illnesses.
In tomatoes, lycopene is concentrated in the seeds and skin, so consuming whole tomatoes or tomato products provides the highest levels. Lycopene is a fat-soluble nutrient, meaning its absorption may be enhanced when consumed with a little bit of healthy oil or fat. Cooking tomatoes actually helps increase the biological availability of lycopene, as heat causes the plant cells to break down and release more of this powerful antioxidant.
Cardiovascular health benefits
One of the biggest health impacts of lycopene is on heart health. Several observational studies have linked higher intakes of lycopene-rich foods like tomatoes to a reduced risk of heart disease. Lycopene’s antioxidant actions help limit free radical damage and inflammation in the arteries and blood vessels. It may also help regulate cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Some research indicates lycopene may even help break downand remove plaques from artery walls to promote heart health. Lower risk of stroke has also been tied to higher lycopene intakes from tomatoes and tomato-based products.
Cancer prevention properties
Lycopene has emerged as a promising agent for cancer prevention, especially for cancers of the prostate, lung, stomach, and skin. In the body, lycopene has been shown to boost antioxidant activity and assist the immune system in seeking out and destroying precancerous and cancerous cells. One large study found daily lycopene intakes equal to about 1/2 cup of tomato sauce lowered prostate cancer risk by over 20%. Lycopene may help limit DNA damage from free radicals and even induce cancer cell death through apoptosis. Ongoing research continues exploring lycopene’s protective effects for other cancer types as well.
Eye health benefits
Lycopene intake has been tied to lower risks of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts, two leading causes of vision loss as people age. AMD involves damage to the retina, while cataracts cloud the eye’s lens over time. Lycopene protects the eyes by filtering high-energy blue light, quenching free radicals, and reducing local inflammation. A diet rich in tomato products like pasta or pizza sauce a few times per week was shown to cut AMD risk in half compared to low intakes. Eating lycopene-containing foods regularly may help maintain eye health and sharp vision into old age.
Improves immune function
Emerging research indicates lycopene plays an important supporting role for the immune system. Its antioxidant properties allow lycopene to help protect immune cells against free radical damage while also enhancing their activity. Studies in animals and test tubes have found lycopene intake raised levels of protective antioxidant enzymes and improved immune cell communication. A better functioning immune system can more effectively identify and destroy toxins, viruses, bacteria and other pathogens that cause illness. Tomatoes and lycopene may help reduce infection risk and keep us healthier overall.
Anti-inflammatory properties
Inflammation in the body driven by free radicals and oxidative stress is linked to nearly every chronic illness, including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and many more. Lycopene demonstrates robust anti-inflammatory abilities, helping counteract molecules that promote inflammation. This may be one reason for its diverse health benefits across multiple systems of the body. By lowering chronic inflammation, lycopene supports tissue health and reduces disease risk long-term.
Promotes skin health
When applied topically, lycopene’s protective properties extend beyond internal health to the skin as well. Test tubes studies found lycopene effectively inhibited UV-induced skin damage and accelerated repair. Population research shows higher tomato and lycopene intakes correlate with lower risk of basal cell carcinoma, a common skin cancer. The antioxidant may suppress growth of abnormal skin cells caused by ultraviolet radiation exposure from the sun. Lycopene’s red color also exerts photoprotective effects by absorbing damaging UV light. Overall, adding more tomato-based products to your diet and skin care routine could aid skin cancer prevention and maintenance of youthful, radiant skin.
Lycopene stands out as a true superstar when it comes to beneficial carotenoids and plant compounds. Found abundantly in tomatoes and tomato-based products, lycopene delivers diverse protection against heart disease, cancer, age-related diseases and more. Its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions benefit both internal and external health. Adding the many delicious tomato varieties into your regular meal plans is an easy way to increase lycopene intake and reap its powerful wellness rewards.
About Author – Ravina Pandya
Ravina Pandya,a content writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemicals and materials, etc. With an MBA in E-commerce, she has expertise in SEO-optimized content that resonates with industry professionals. LinkedIn Profile