Plant-based foods including fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans contain thousands of chemical substances known as phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are non-nutritive chemicals that protect from or prevent diseases. Scientists have only studied a small fraction of the known phytochemicals; lycopene is one of the most commonly known.
Classification and Structure
Lycopene is in the group of substances known as carotenoids, naturally occurring pigments found in fruits and vegetables. Although many carotenoids transform into vitamin A in the body, lycopene does not. Lycopene is the red pigment in tomatoes, guava, pink grapefruit, watermelon and red oranges.
Anti-Oxidant Powers
Most phytochemicals, including lycopene, act as anti-oxidants, meaning they protect cells against the damaging effects of free radicals, atoms formed in the body as a result of a chemical reaction involving oxygen. Lycopene donates its electrons -- negatively charged particles -- to the free radical, stabilizing and neutralizing it so it cannot cause cell damage. Anti-oxidants such as lycopene are thought to be effective in protecting against degenerative diseases such as heart disease.This anti-oxidant effect also makes lycopene a chemical of interest as a substance that may reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.
Lycopene Absorption
In order to experience the health benefits, your body must absorb lycopene from the food sources. Studies cited by the American Cancer Society confirm that the body does not absorb lycopene from different sources the same. Although tomatoes are the richest source of lycopene, the amount of lycopene in the blood after eating cooked tomatoes, such as tomato paste or tomato sauce, is higher than after eating fresh tomatoes. This suggests that cooking alters the form of the lycopene, and that the body more readily absorbs this form. Eating lycopene-rich foods with a small amount of oil or fat may also help increase lycopene absorption.
Potential Health Benefits
Although researchers continue to study lycopene, scientists think it has health benefits. Once ingested, lycopene can be found in the highest concentrations in the blood, skin, liver, adrenal glands, lungs, prostate and colon. High levels of lycopene in the blood may contribute to reducing cardiovascular disease and macular degeneration, a degenerative eye disease that can lead to complete loss of vision. Lycopene may protect against lung cancer, prostate cancer and stomach cancer.
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