Lycopene: A Carotenoid with Powerful Antioxidant Properties
Angela Marks

What is Lycopene?

The term carotenoid refers to a family of about 600 different plant pigments that make carrots orange, corn yellow, and tomatoes red. Only a small number of them actually play a role in human health, but each of them has vitamin-like properties. Lycopene is a carotenoid that is found in tomatoes, red grapefruit, and watermelon Processed tomato products, including ketchup, tomato juice, and pizza sauce, are the richest sources of lycopene in the American diet, accounting for 80 percent of the total intake. Studies have shown that higher levels of lycopene in the body tissues are associated with a decrease in the risk of cardiovascular disease, and cancers of the prostate, pancreas, breast, and possibly the stomach. Research has also indicated that the level of lycopene in our bodies is reduced as we age.

Lycopene and Cardiovascular Disease

Although we do not know for certain whether or not lycopene can help to prevent cardiovascular disease, some recent research has indicated that people with higher levels in the fatty tissues have a reduced risk of having a heart attack. In addition, evidence also suggests that lycopene may actually help rid the body of harmful LDL cholesterol. It has been observed that people with high cholesterol may have depleted levels of lycopene, which suggests that these people, in particular, may want to increase their intake of this carotenoid.

Lycopene and Exercise-Induced Asthma

A study published in the 2000 issue of the journal Allergy has suggested that a daily dose of lycopene may provide a protective effect against exercise-induced asthma. These protective effects are most likely a result of the antioxidant properties.

Lycopene and Prostate Cancer

Dietary lycopene has been linked to lower rates of prostate cancer. A six-year study showed that European men in countries such as Greece and Italy were the most likely to eat tomato-based products and the least likely to develop prostate cancer. Studies have shown that men who ingested 6.4-10 grams of lycopene per day from two to four servings of tomato sauce a week have the lowest risk of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer was the lowest in those who consumed at least 6,400 micrograms of lycopene a day.

Good Sources of Lycopene

Good sources of lycopene include watermelon, red grapefruit, tomatoes and processed tomato products such as tomato sauce, ketchup, and tomato juice. Many of the processed tomato products are high in sodium, so be sure to look for the low or reduced sodium options. The lycopene value for tomato sauce in 1/2 cup serving is 22,500 micrograms and the value for tomato juice is 16,000 micrograms. Because carotenoids are fat-soluble, the best way to consume tomato products is with olive oil, so you might try smashing tomatoes and mixing them with olive oil in a pan.

How Much to Take

The research suggests, and has been affirmed by the Cooper Complete consultation board, that a dose of 10 mg a day should be sufficient. You can get this amount in the Cooper Complete multivitamin and mineral supplement.

References:

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition June 2000: 71 2000 June: 71 (6 supp)
CMAJ Sept. 2000: 19
Journal of the American College of Nutrition April 1997: 16 Apr: 16 (2)
Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Dec.1995
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition June 2000: 71 2000 June: 71 (6 supp)
CMAJ Sept. 2000: 19
Journal of the American College of Nutrition April 1997: 16 Apr: 16 (2)
Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Dec.1995

Contact Us

Ordering Info:
(877) 2-HEALTH
(888) 393-2221

 

General Info:
12200 Preston Road
Dallas, TX 75230
Phone: 972/560-2702
Fax: 972/560-3260
Send us an e-mail