Lycopene and their
activity
Lycopene is a naturally occurring chemical that gives
fruits and vegetables a red color. It is one of a number of pigments called
carotenoids. Lycopene is found in watermelons, pink grapefruits, apricots, and
pink guavas. It is found in particularly high amounts in tomatoes and tomato
products. In North America, 85% of dietary lycopene comes from tomato products
such as tomato juice or paste. One cup (240 mL) of tomato juice provides about
23 mg of lycopene. Processing raw tomatoes using heat (in the making of tomato
juice, tomato paste or ketchup, for example) actually changes the lycopene in
the raw product into a form that is easier for the body to use. The lycopene in
supplements is about as easy for the body to use as lycopene found in food.
People take lycopene for preventing heart disease,
"hardening of the arteries" (atherosclerosis); and cancer of the
prostate, breast, lung, bladder, ovaries, colon, and pancreas. Lycopene is also
used for treating human papilloma virus (HPV) infection, which is a major cause
of uterine cancer. Some people also use lycopene for cataracts and asthma.
Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that may help protect
cells from damage. This is why there is a lot of research interest in
lycopene’s role, if any, in preventing cancer.
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