Lycopene is a carotenoid found in tomato-based products such as tomato juice and tomato sauce, as well as watermelon and papaya. It contains potent antioxidants that have been associated with several benefits, from improving prostate health to protecting the skin from sunburn. Research also suggests that lycopene consumption might help reduce the risk for heart disease.
Heart Disease
In research published in the July 2003 issue of the "Journal of Nutrition," scientists from Brigham and Women's Hospital studied the impact of dietary lycopene and the risk of cardiovascular disease in women. They discovered that women consuming seven to 10 servings of lycopene-rich, tomato-based products per day lowered their risk of developing heart disease more than women consuming less than two servings per day.
LDL Oxidation
When low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, cholesterol undergoes oxidation, its particle size changes, making it more likely to be deposited as plaque inside artery walls. This increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Researchers from the University of Toronto found that men and women consuming lycopene food sources for one week experienced decreases in LDL oxidation, according to the October 1998 issue of the journal "Lipids."
C-reactive Protein
Scientists from the University of Murica in Spain investigated the impact of lycopene consumption on C-reactive protein, which increases inflammation associated with heart disease. For two weeks, women and men were assigned to receive tomato juice with or without vitamin C. Researchers reported in the January 2008 issue of the "British Journal of Nutrition" that both groups experienced decreases in C-reactive protein and total cholesterol levels.
Safety
Lycopene consumption generally is considered safe, but a few side effects such as gas, bloating and diarrhea have been reported. In addition, avoid lycopene supplements if you are pregnant or allergic, according to the Mayo Clinic website. Consult your health care provider before consuming any lycopene supplements.
References
- "Journal of Nutrition"; Dietary Lycopene, Tomato Based Food Products and Cardiovascular Disease in Women; H.D. Sesso et al.; July 2003
- "Lipids"; Tomato Lycopene and Low Density Lipoprotein Oxidation: a Human Dietary Intervention Study; S. Agarwal et al.; October 1998
- "British Journal of Nutrition"; Infleunce of Lycopene and Vitamin C From Tomato Juice on Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation; K. Jacob et al.; January 2008
- MayoClinic.com: Lycopene Safety
