Lycopene is a coloured red-pigment found naturally in vegetables and fruits; it is a powerful antioxidant that destroys the effect of free radicals (highly charged atoms with unpaired electron such as oxygen atom which disrupt cell function and promote diseases). Lycopene is a member carotenoid family which includes beta carotene, lutein and zeathine. Beta carotene was formerly most common carotenoid known until the late 20th century.
Lycopene contains long
can conjugated double bond which is the basis for its structure and function.
The composition of lycopene is one of antioxidant that has high
bioavailability. The bioavailability of lycopene is hindered much with the
trend of nutritional transition.
SOURCES
Lycopene is found naturally
in vegetables, fruits and human glands; however, it can be produced
synthetically. It is found in all naturally red-pigment fruits and vegetables.
Sources of lycopene include; tomatoes, water melon, guava, pepper, grapefruit,
pawpaw and apricot. Erstwhile studies have tomatoes as containing high lycopene
until recent studies proves water melon containing highest lycopene. Watermelon
is readily available at the bite. Tomatoes are better consumed to obtain the
lycopene when prepared with oil. Other sources are tomatoes containing high
lycopene are: tomato juice, tomato paste, ketchup, tomato sauce.
In man, it naturally
occur in the serum (blood), adrenal gland, colon, prostate and skin. Lycopene
in the skin is quite higher than other comparative compounds. The content in
glands decrease as a new born grows most noticed, is in the prostate gland in
males.
Synthetically, lycopene
can be produced and taken as supplement. However it can have adverse effect on
patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Intake of these should be
under the prescription of a physician.
BENEFITS
Lycopene health benefit
is far-reaching as excessive or deficiency of it has not been reported to have
any scientifically-proven side effects. The benefit of lycopene includes:
Ø Reduced risk of cancer especially prostate, colon
and stomach.
Ø Improvement in the health of the cancer patient.
Ø Reducing cholesterol thereby curtailing risk of
heart attack.
Ø Lycopene in addition with other bioactive compounds
in carrots Reduces macular degeneration.
Ø Reduced incidence of osteoporosis especially for
women in menopause.
Ø Enhances sperm count.
RECOMMENDATION
ü Take the reddest tomatoes as they contain more
lycopene.
ü Cook tomatoes with oil to enhance bioavailability of
lycopene.
ü Tomatoes consumed in tomato juice, paste, sauce and
ketchup provides lycopene.
ü More intakes of juice and vegetables.
ü Patients under chemotherapy and radiotherapy should take synthetic lycopene only under a guide of physician.
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