Lycopene                                                                       Order                                                

● Lycopene is an open-chain unsaturated carotenoid that imparts red color to tomatoes, guava, rosehip, watermelon and pink grapefruit.
● Lycopene is a proven antioxidant. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, which may damage the body's cells.
* Research shows that lycopene in tomatoes can be absorbed more efficiently by the body if processed into juice, sauce, paste and ketchup. The chemical form of lycopene found in tomatoes is converted by high temperature changes involved in processing, thus making it more easily absorbable by the body.
● In the body, lycopene is deposited in the liver, lungs, prostate gland, colon and skin. Its concentration in body tissue tends to be higher than that of all other carotenoids.
● Regular high consumption of fruits and vegetables is recommended as part of healthy eating. Epidemiological studies have shown that high intake of lycopene-containing vegetables is inversely proportional associated with the incidence of certain types of cancer. For example, habitual intake of tomato products has been inversely associated with the risk of cancer of the digestive tract among Italians. In one six-year study by Harvard Medical School and Harvard School of Public Health, the diets of more than 47,000 men were studied. Of 46 fruits and vegetables evaluated, only tomato products (which contain large quantities of lycopene) showed a measurable relationship to reduction of prostate cancer risk. As consumption of tomato products increased, levels of lycopene in the blood increased, and the risk for prostate cancer decreased. The study also showed that heat processing of tomatoes and tomato products increases lycopene's bioavailability.
● Ongoing preliminary research suggests that lycopene is associated with reduced risk of macular degenerative disease, serum lipid oxidation and cancers of the lung, bladder, cervix and skin.
● Studies are underway to investigate other potential benefits of lycopene - including the H.J. Heinz Company sponsored research at the University of Toronto and at the American Health Foundation. These studies will focus on lycopene's possible role in the fight against cancers of the digestive tract, breast and prostate.

Lycopene is the most effective quencher of singlet oxygen free radicals yet discovered.

Lycopene quenches singlet oxygen free radicals 2 times more effectively than Beta-Carotene and 100 times more effectively than Vitamin E.

Lycopene retards the damage caused by oxidized LDL Cholesterol.

Lycopene protects against many of the toxic effects of Radioactivity.

People infected with HIV (the underlying cause of AIDS) are generally deficient in Lycopene (indicating that supplemental Lycopene may be of benefit to HIV-positive persons) [epidemiological evidence].

Lycopene inhibits the proliferation of cancer Cells involved in Breast cancer.

Lycopene protects against Cervix (cervical) cancer [women with high serum Lycopene levels have 80% less risk of developing cervical cancer than those with low serum Lycopene levels].

Lycopene protects against Colon cancer [epidemiological evidence].

Lycopene inhibits the proliferation of cancer Cells involved in Endometrial cancer.

Lycopene protects against Esophagus (esophageal) cancer [epidemiological evidence].

Lycopene protects against Liver cancer [research - animals].

Lycopene inhibits the proliferation of cancer Cells involved in Lung cancer.

Lycopene protects against Mouth cancer (oral cancer) [epidemiological evidence].

Lycopene protects against Pancreatic cancer [persons with the lowest levels of serum Lycopene have a 500% greater risk of developing Pancreatic cancer than those who consume high amounts of Lycopene].

Lycopene protects against Pharynx (pharyngeal) cancer [epidemiological evidence].

Lycopene reduces the risk of Prostate cancer [research and epidemiological studies support the role of Lycopene in the prevention of Prostate cancer].

Lycopene protects against Stomach cancer [epidemiological evidence].

Lycopene lowers LDL Cholesterol levels [60 mg of Lycopene per day for 3 months caused a reduction in LDL Cholesterol of an average of 14%].

Lycopene may help to prevent Alzheimer’s Disease [epidemiological evidence: persons who consume higher levels of Lycopene have a lower incidence of Alzheimer’s Disease].

Lycopene is the predominant Carotenoid that concentrates in the Testicles.

Dietary Sources Of Lycopene (mg of Lycopene per 100 grams)            Order
Grapefruit - Pink 3.4 mg
Watermelon 4.1 mg
Guava 3.3 mg
Tomato Paste 6.5 mg
Tomato 3.1 mg