What are the effects of natural lycopene?
Lycopene is a natural compound found in bright red fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes, watermelon, and grapefruit. Lycopene is a carotenoid that is the yellow, orange, or red pigment that imparts this color to its plants. Lycopene is associated with many health benefits, including disease prevention and protection.
Lycopene is a natural compound found in bright red fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes, watermelon, and grapefruit. Lycopene is a carotenoid that is the yellow, orange, or red pigment that imparts this color to its plants. Lycopene is associated with many health benefits, including disease prevention and protection.
Tomato products are the highest in lycopene, and ketchup, tomato juice, and pizza sauce are considered the highest sources of lycopene in the average U.S. resident’s diet, accounting for 80 percent of the population's lycopene intake.
Health effects of lycopene:
One of the biggest benefits of lycopene is that it is an antioxidant that protects the body from free radicals, which can damage DNA and other cellular structures.
Other health benefits:
Preventing cancer and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease are two of the biggest potential benefits of lycopene, and carotenoids may have other benefits if consumed on a diet high in lycopene.