Lycopene is a naturally occurring red pigment that gives color to many fruits and vegetables. Tomatoes, cranberries, peaches, apricots and papaya are excellent sources of lycopene. Most of the dietary lycopene used in North America comes from tomatoes and products made from them. Lutein, another carotenoid, is made up of zeaxanthin and lycopine. Lycopene occurs naturally in the liver, lungs, prostate and adrenal glands as well as other areas of the body.
Antioxidant Properties
Lycopene is known to have antioxidant properties and may be beneficial in reducing the growth of some cancerous tumors, according to the American Cancer Society. Even though studies are inconclusive, it is believed the antioxidant benefits of lycopene can inhibit the growth of free radicals that may be the cause of certain cancers.
Most studies pertaining to the antioxidant properties of lycopene, are performed using dietary sources instead of lycopene in supplement form. Diets that are high in lycopene-rich foods are thought to be the most beneficial. This may partly be due to the fact that foods containing lycopene are also excellent sources of several other vitamins and minerals.
Immunity Booster
Lycopene is a carotenoid that complements the benefits of beta-carotene in the body. Beta-carotene and other derivatives of vitamin A work together to stimulate and strengthen the body's immune system. When lycopene is obtained through the diet, foods that provide it also contain a variety of other nutrients. Tomatoes, for example, are high in vitamin C, potassium and many other components that are vital to a healthy immune system.
Reduces Inflammation
Many reports suggest that lycopene reduces inflammation in a variety of illnesses. Drs. Lee, Chang and Moon authored a report in 2008 that stated lycopene supplements were effective in suppressing airway inflammation in a model of an asthma patient. The report was published in "Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications." Another report released in 2008 also suggested that lycopene reduced inflamed airways in asthma patients. This report was published in the "Alternative Medicine Review."
Diabetes Aid
Lycopene's antioxidant properties can reduce the effects of neuropathy in type 2 diabetes patients because of lycopene's ability to enhance immunoglobulin levels and prevent the stress that accompanies oxidation in the body. These antioxidant properties not only benefit diabetic neuropathy, they can also reduce the effects of the disease on the learning centers in the brain. By reducing the inflammation and preventing oxidation, lycopene can reduce the impairment of memory and the progression of certain learning disabilities that are affected by diabetes.
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