Lycopene is a red pigment that is found in tomatoes and other red fruits. Lycopene has been shown to be a powerful antioxidant.
This natural, healthy substance is an unsaturated carotenoid pigment, similar to Beta-Carotene and has shown it to be one of the most potent antioxidants produced today.
The Lycopene in tomatoes can be used to protect the cardiovascular system more efficiently in the form of juice, sauce, paste and ketchup. As well, Lycopene has shown promise with reduced risk of macular degenerative disease, serum lipid oxidation and cancers of the lung, bladder, cervix and skin.
Lycopene, which is a fat soluble substance, is mostly stored in blood and tissues such as the testis, adrenal glands, liver, prostate, breast, colon, and lungs.
If you are on a low fat diet you may not absorb Lycopene as well as some others. Lycopene also reduces the oxidation rate of lipids, suggesting a decreased risk of Cardiovascular Disease.
Some of the benefits of Lycopene are listed for easy reference below:
A potent antioxidant helps to neutralizes free radicals which can damage cells in the body.
Reduced risk of coronary heart disease and stroke.
Reduced damage to skin by regenerating new skin cells.
Reduced risk of macular degenerative disease.