Lycopene is a carotenoid pigment responsible for the red-orange color of some foods, such as tomatoes, papaya, guava and watermelon, for example. This substance has antioxidant properties, protecting cells from the effects of free radicals, and, therefore, it can prevent the development of some types of cancer, mainly prostate, breast and pancreas, for example.
In addition to preventing the appearance of cancer, lycopene also prevents the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, decreasing the risk of atherosclerosis and, consequently, of cardiovascular diseases.
What is lycopene for
Lycopene is a substance with a high antioxidant capacity, balancing the amount of free radicals in the body and preventing oxidative stress. In addition, lycopene protects some molecules, such as lipids, LDL cholesterol, proteins and DNA against degenerative processes that can happen due to the large amount of free radicals circulating and lead to the development of some chronic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes and heart diseases. Thus, lycopene has several health benefits and serves for various situations, the main ones being:
- Prevent cancer, including breast, lung, ovarian, kidney, bladder, pancreas and prostate cancer, because it prevents cells' DNA from undergoing changes due to the presence of free radicals, preventing malignant transformation and proliferation of cancer cells. An in vitro study found that lycopene was able to slow the growth rate of breast and prostate tumors. An observational study conducted with people also showed that consumption of carotenoids, including lycopenes, was able to decrease the risk of developing lung and prostate cancer by up to 50%; Protect the organism against toxic substances: it was shown in a study that regular consumption and in ideal amounts of lycopene was able to protect the organism against the action of pesticides and herbicides, for example; Decrease the risk of heart disease, as it prevents oxidation of LDL, which is responsible for the formation of atherosclerosis plaques, which is one of the risk factors for the development of heart disease. In addition, lycopene is able to increase the concentration of HDL, which is known as good cholesterol and which promotes heart health, and is therefore able to regulate cholesterol levels; Protect the body against the effects of ultraviolet radiation from the sun: a study was carried out in which the study group was divided into two, one that consumed 16 mg of lycopene, and the other that consumed the placebo were exposed to the sun. After 12 weeks, it was found that the group that had consumed lycopene had less severe skin lesions than those who used the placebo. This action of lycopene can be even more effective when its consumption is associated with the consumption of beta-carotenes and vitamins E and C; Prevent skin aging, since one of the factors that influence aging is the amount of free radicals circulating in the body, which is regulated and combated by lycopene; Prevent the development of eye diseases: it has been described in studies that lycopene helped to prevent the development of eye diseases, such as cataracts and macular degeneration, preventing blindness and improving vision.
In addition, some studies have shown that lycopene also helped to prevent Alzheimer's disease, because it has antioxidant properties, preventing the occurrence of seizures and memory loss, for example. Lycopene also decreases the rate of bone cell death, preventing the development of osteoporosis.
Main lycopene-rich foods
The following table shows some foods that are rich in lycopene and that can be included in the daily diet:
| Foods | Quantity in 100 g |
| Raw tomato | 2.7 mg |
| Homemade Tomato Sauce | 21.8 mg |
| Sun dried tomatoes | 45.9 mg |
| Canned tomatoes | 2.7 mg |
| Guava | 5.2 mg |
| Watermelon | 4.5 mg |
| Grapefruit | 1.1 mg |
| Carrot | 5 mg |
In addition to being found in food, lycopene can also be used as a supplement, however it is important that it is indicated by the nutritionist and used according to his guidance.
