Home » Healthy Living » Diet & Nutrition » Vitamins and Supplements

Lycopene

Ranked #6,721 in Healthy Living, #115,186 overall

Lycopene

 

What is Lycopene? We have either eaten it or we totally unaware about it. Lycopene is a pigment that gives vegetable and fruits, such as tomatoes, pink grapefruit and watermelon, their red coloring. More importantly, lycopene also appears to exhibit strong anti-oxidant capabilities. antioxidant serve to lessen effects of free radicals, blamed by some in the scientific community for damage cells. Lycopene gets its name from species classification of the Tomato, Lycopersicon esculentum   

How It Function.

Unlike several of its carotenoid cousins, lycopene does not have a pro-vitamin a activity, in other words, it does not get converted into vitamin A. Consequently, the health benefits of lycopene are attributed to its powerful antioxidant actions.

Lycopene is especially effective at quenching a free radical called singlet oxigen. Singlet oxigen is a highly reactive free radical formed during normal metabolic processes that reacts with polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are major constituents of cell membranes. Due to the facts that lycopene is commonly located in cell membranes, it plays an important role in preventing oxidative damage to membrane lipids, thereby influencing the thickness, strength and fluidity of the membranes. Apart from its antioxidant activity, lycopene has been shown to suppress the growth of tumors in vitro (test tube) and in vivo(animal) experiments. One way of the ways that lycopene may limit tumor growth is by stimulating cell to cell to communication.

Where Do I Find Lycopene

Since lycopene is not produced naturally by human body, it must be obtained through diet. Tomato products, such as tomato juice, ketchup and pizza sauce are the major sources of lycopene in our diet. In fact, these foods provide over 80 percent of the lycopene that we consumed.



Other fruits and vegetable such as watermelon, guava,apricots and pink grapefruit also provide lycopene.

Deficiency Symptoms

Whats the result for lacking Lycopene



Inadequate intake of lycopene and other carotenoids, over a period of many years may set the stage for the development of several chronic diseases, including heart disease and various cancer.Research indicates that diets low in carotenoids can increase the body's susceptibility to damage from free radicals. As a result, over the long term, carotenoid-deficient diets may increase tissue damage from free radical activity and increase risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancers.

Heath Condition

Lycopene may play role in the prevention and or treatment of the following health conditions:


  1. Age-related mascular degeration

  2. Breast Cancer

  3. Cardiovascular disease

  4. Cataract

  5. Cervical cancer

  6. Exercise-induce asthma

  7. Lung cancer

  8. Ovarian cancer

  9. Pancreatic cancer

  10. Prostate cancer

  11. Skin cancer

  12. Stomach cancer

Cooking Recipes

Of course lycopene have to be included

Corn Tortilla Wrap with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto and Jack Cheese

This is one of those sandwiches that can be quickly thrown together when you want a no-effort lunch or a substantial snack-and with no saturated fat and only about 100 calories, and a little soy, too. Jars of different flavored pestos and olive mixtures are good pantry items, since they can be the starting point for a whole range of quick and easy dishes.

Serving Suggestions: Accompany with a chicory and Belgian endive salad, or a shredded spinach salad with orange segments.

Makes 4 sandwiches.
Prep: 5 minutes. Cook: 30 seconds.

4 corn tortillas (6 inch), low-fat if available
1/4 cup bottled sun-dried tomato pesto
4 slices Monterey-jack-style, mozzarella-style, or Swiss-style soy cheese

Over each tortilla, spread 1 tablespoon pesto. Top with cheese and roll up. Microwave or run under broiler until cheese melts, about 30 seconds. That's it!

Dandelion Salad With Tomatoes


Ingredients:
1/2 pound torn dandelion greens
1/2 red onion, chopped
2 tomatoes, chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried basil

salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
In a medium bowl, toss together dandelion greens, red onion, and tomatoes. Season with basil, salt, and pepper.

Gather the dandelion leaves early in the spring before the plants flower or they will be bitter.


Broccoli & Mushroom Salad

broccoli flowerets
cup fresh mushrooms
2 medium sized carrots cut into short sticks
cup sun dried tomatoes finely cut up
1 medium sized onion thinly sliced
olive oil
balsamic vinegar
crushed garlic

Boil or steam the broccoli in salted water for 5 minutes. Salt is not necessary if you prefer to cook without salt.

Sweat the onions, sun dried tomatoes and garlic with a teaspoon of olive oil in a hot Teflon (non-stick) pan. One minute is enough. This to release the taste of the lycopene packed sun dried tomatoes.

Assemble the salad; add the contents of the pan.

The dressing I use is one-third balsamic vinegar and two-thirds olive oil. Salt and pepper to your taste.

Pour the dressing over the salad shortly before eating. To serve this dish hot one can either heat it with the dressing in a microwave or briefly stir-fry in the dressing. This dish can be kept for a couple of days

* Courtesy Taken From Lenny's Recipes

Spaghetti Sauce

Lycopene is easier to absorb from cooked or processed tomatoes. One half cup of spaghetti sauce or marinara sauce has over 20 milligrams of lycopene. Try making your own spaghetti sauce or look for ready made brands that are low in sodium and made with healthy ingredients, like Muir Glen Organic Spaghetti Sauce. Make a healthy meal by serving with whole grain pasta and a garden salad.

A Big Slice of Watermelon

Take a watermelon and cut it into 16 pieces. Each one of those pieces of watermelon has about 13 milligrams of lycopene. That same watermelon is also a delicious source of potassium, vitamin C and vitamin A. Watermelon can be served all alone or for a wonderful salad try this recipe for Watermelon, Basil & Mozzarella Salad with Balsamic Syrup.
4. Salsa

Cocktail Drink

Thai-Style Tomato Cocktail

Here's an easy, fun way to add some lycopene to your prostate-savvy diet. Warm up the cocktail on a cold winter's day or serve it over ice in summer. Ginger, lime, sweet onion, and cilantro spice up this southeast Asian-style version of a classic virgin mary drink.

Serving Suggestions: Sip with a veggie burger or sandwich. If mixing for a party, feel free to add a splash of vodka or gin

Makes 1 drink.
Prep: 5 minutes.

6 ounces tomato juice
1 tablespoon grated sweet onion, such as Vidalia
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
2 teaspoons ginger juice (see Note below)
1/2 teaspoon regular or reduced-sodium soy sauce
Ice cubes (if serving cold)
Finely chopped fresh cilantro and lime slices, for garnish (optional)

For a cold drink, in 8-ounce glass, combine tomato juice, onion, lime juice, ginger juice, and soy sauce. Add ice and garnish with cilantro and lime slices, if using. Or, for a warm drink, in small saucepan, combine first 5 ingredients, and warm gently over low heat. Serve in a mug, garnished with cilantro and lime, if you like.

Note: To make ginger juice, grate a knob or thumb-size piece of unpeeled fresh ginger into a sheet of paper towel. Gather into a bundle and squeeze gently over a small bowl to extract juice. The amount of juice you'll get depends on the freshness of the root-the fresher the root, the more juice. Use leftover ginger juice to flavor lemonade, hot or iced tea, broths, and stir-fry dishes.

Link Supply Information

Lycopene.org
A comprehensive resource on lycopene and its health benefits including current research, media releases, and recipes.
Lycopene - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Lycopene is a bright red carotenoid pigment, a phytochemical found in tomatoes and other red fruits. Lycopene is the most common carotenoid in the human ...
Lycopene
Lycopene is a member of the carotenoid family of chemical substances. Lycopene, similar to other carotenoids, is a natural fat-soluble pigment (red, ...
ACS :: Lycopene
Lycopene is the compound that gives tomatoes and certain other fruits and vegetables their color. It is one of the major carotenoids in the diet of North ...
Lycopene
Lycopene - The ultimate phytochemical nutraceutical?, Foods with lycopene, lycopene references.
Lycopene - MayoClinic.com
Mayo Clinic offers award-winning medical and health information and tools for healthy living.
Lycopene, What is Lycopene? About its Science, Chemistry and Structure
Find out about the science and chemistry of Lycopene (Tomato Red), see colourful images of Lycopene and explore interactive 3D molecules of Lycopene.
What is Lycopene?
Brief and Straightforward Guide: What is Lycopene?
Molecular Expressions: Phytochemical Gallery - Lycopene
Lycopene, a red plant pigment, is a proven anti-oxidant that may lower the risk of certain diseases including cancer and heart disease.
Lycomato - Natural Tomato Lycopene complex
Lyc-O-Mato® is an all natural tomato lycopene complex high in lycopene and other important antioxidants from tomato. Antioxidants play a vital role in ...
ScienceDaily: No Magic Tomato? Study Breaks Link Between Lycopene ...
Tomatoes might be nutritious and tasty, but don't count on them to prevent prostate cancer. Researchers now report that lycopene, an antioxidant ...
Lycopene - Prevention Agents
Lycopene is one of 600 or so plant-derived carotenoids, substances responsible for the yellow, orange, and red colors of fruits and vegetables. ...
Biochemistry of Lycopene
Lycopene is the red pigment in tomatoes and several fruits. Find out more about how this antioxidant protects against cancer and heart disease.
MedlinePlus Herbs and Supplements: Lycopene
Lycopene is a carotenoid, and is present in human serum, liver, adrenal glands, lungs, prostate, colon, and skin at higher levels than other carotenoids. ...
Lycopene
In what plants can we find Lycopene? What are the medicinal properties of Lycopene? Facts about Lycopene.
Lycopene : by Ray Sahelian, M.D., lycopene benefits lycopene prostate
lycopene prostate cancer lycopene supplement lycopene benefit.
lycopene: Definition and Much More from Answers.com
ly·co·pene ( ) n. A red carotenoid pigment, C 40 H 56 , found chiefly in blood, the reproductive organs, tomatoes, and palm oils.
lycopene articles, information and news
Orange colored tomatoes better source of lycopene, study finds. (NewsTarget) New research suggests that the human body absorbs lycopene better from ...
Lycopene in Tomatoes and Prostate Cancer
Lycopene in Tomatoes and Prostate cancer. Can lycopene prevent prostate cancer? Find out what research studies are saying about lycopene.
Lycopene and cardiovascular disease123
Considerable evidence suggests that lycopene, a carotenoid without provitamin A activity found in high concentrations in a small set of plant foods, ...
UANews.org | Boosting Lycopene in the Diet
The UA tomato consumption study focuses on the levels of lycopene present in the blood of participants who eat two fresh tomatoes daily. ...
Le Magazine, December 2004 - All About Supplements: Lycopene
Lycopene, a powerful plant-based antioxidant nutrient, may offer protection from both cancer and heart disease. Lycopene is fast becoming known as nature's ...
Welcome to Knowledge in a Nutshell - Unlock the Power of Lycopene
This updated version of Unlock the Power of Lycopene, originally published in 2001, contains all you need to know about the antioxidant lycopene found in ...
Lycopene's anti-cancer effect appears stronger when not acting alone
John W. Erdman Jr., professor of food science and human nutrition and of internal medicine, has found that lycopene's punch is stronger when not acting ...
Lycopene Supplements and Products
Lycopene Supplements and products discounted at at 20% to 75% off retail. eVitamins offers a wide selection of vitamins, supplements and Lycopene ...
Morning Star's Lycopene Information Home Page
The Morning Star Company is pleased to present the processed tomato industry's most comprehensive online resource for Lycopene, explaining its benefits, ...
Tomato lycopene and its role in human health and chronic diseases ...
LYCOPENE IS A CAROTENOID THAT IS PRESENT IN TOMATOES, processed tomato products and other fruits. It is one of the most potent antioxidants among dietary ...
Lycopene.org - Lycopene Content
Product, Lycopene (mg /100 ga), Serving Size b, Lycopene (mg /serving). Tomato Juice (without salt added) ... Lycopene.org. All rights reserved.
Watermelon Packs a Powerful Lycopene Punch
An all-American favorite, watermelon is highly nutritious and packed full of the phytochemical lycopene. It's one of the few foods that contain it in large ...
Lycopene may be able to inhibit the growth of prostate tumours
A study by Dutch and German researchers has provided evidence that lycopene may be able to inhibit the growth of prostate tumours and that its effect may be ...
Orange colored tomatoes better source of lycopene, study finds
Orange colored tomatoes better source of lycopene, study finds.
Watermelon Shows Its Lycopene Stripes / June 4, 2002 / News from ...
Watermelon growers aren't exactly singing the new tune: "Our lycopene is better than your lycopene." But there is a new twist on the amount of healthful ...
Tangerine tomatoes - better source of lycopene?
Tangerine tomatoes - better source of lycopene? The lycopene content of orange tomatoes is more bioavailable than the form of lycopene found in the red.
LYCOPENE -ANTIOXIDANT BENEFITS, INFORMATION ON SUPPLEMENTS ...
Information, advice, facts, articles, links, news, and answers to questions regarding lycopene.

Tomatoes / Lycopene To Reduce Prostate Cancer Risk

By by V.K. Gadi, MD

There is good evidence which links dietary lycopene consumption and decreased prostate cancer risk.



Lycopene is naturally found in several fruits and vegetables, but most notably in the cooked tomato. It seems that lycopene in raw tomatoes is not as available as when it is cooked. The highest sources of lycopene are available in tomato juices and tomato sauces including spaghetti sauce.

One particularly well organized study showed significant anti-prostate cancer effects of lycopene in tomato based products. It actually demonstrated reduced PSA levels and tumor cell reduction after the participants consumed 30 mg/day of lycopene from cooked tomato based products for a period of three weeks.

Although more research is needed to determine if a lycopene supplement works as well as the dietary lycopene found in tomato products, it seems prudent to supplement your diet with tomato products to reduce your chance of developing prostate cancer.

For your reference, here is the approximate amount of lycopene available in some common food products:

* Tomato Juice (1 cup) = 22mg
* Catsup (1 Tbsp) = 2.9 mg
* Spaghetti Sauce (1/2 cup) = 20 mg
* Tomato Soup (1 cup) = 13.1 mg
* Tomato Sauce (1/4 cup) = 7.3 mg

So, my recommendation: Choose your tomato, and get 30 mg of lycopene per day.

Lycopene Can Be Found In Tomatoes 

Fruits Stand

Loading

Check out These Video on Lycopene

Hey! this guy knows what he is talking about :)

How to Make Homemade Fresh Tomato Sauce (part 1) - Tips on Lycopene for Cancer Prevention
by YouTips4U | video info

89 ratings | 41,562 views
curated content from YouTube
Sorry, we couldn't connect to Del.icio.us. Please try again later.
Powered by Del.icio.us

Blog from Google

Tomatoes provide several benefits
Tomatoes are a rich source of antioxidants, including vitamin C and Lycopene, according to Dr. Beth Reams, a nutritionist with the LSU AgCenter. ?Antioxidants are important parts of a healthy diet and help protect healthy cells from damage caused by ...
Welcome to summer
On its website, the board touts watermelons as the ?lycopene leader? among fresh produce that helps consumers boost their ?health esteem? with high levels of vitamins A and C and a good level of vitamin B6. ?We fund research into what is in watermelons ...
Laser Reveals Whether You've Been Eating Your Veggies
The simple method works by revealing carotenoid pigments such as beta-carotene in carrots and lycopene in tomatoes. A modern version of a decades-old technology called resonance Raman spectroscopy (RRS) can detect the energy changes in molecules after ...
LycoRed's Production of Tomat-O-Red® Doubles to Meet Growing Demand
LycoRed, a science-based Israeli company with more than 15 years of experience, uses a patented process to produce Tomat-O-Red, an antioxidant-rich lycopene compound, from California-grown, non-genetically modified (GMO) tomatoes.
Powered by Google

Books on Amazing Fruits

Fruits Recipe N' Info

Recipe with Video: Making Meringues: Fresh, summer fruits top these easy to ...
Seasonal fruits, veggies and favorite recipes
Pie Recipes: Our 60 Favorite Takes (PHOTOS)
Citrus Park Student Wins For Dessert Recipe
Powered by Google

Search Lycopene

Fruity Retail Shop

Loading

At Glimpse

Loading

FruitsMart

Loading

Reader Feedback

  • William Feb 24, 2012 @ 9:19 am | delete
    try Lycored syrup the only brand that contains lyco-o-mato which is given gras by usfda
  • Randall Jackson May 19, 2011 @ 6:39 am | delete
    interesting lens about lycopene. lycopene was a good antioxidant which generally used for curing prostate cancer and also to maintain overall prostate health.
  • happynutritionist May 11, 2011 @ 11:13 pm | delete
    Nicely done, blessed by and added to Diet and Nutrition Squid Angel:-)
  • baloamarillo Nov 29, 2010 @ 11:08 am | delete
    So so interesting the information , I have not known anything about lycope it is so strange and very cool. I am buying viagraonline rigth now and I will ask in the chat about more things of lycopene.
  • Dr. Syed Rafatullah Feb 10, 2010 @ 5:48 am | delete
    Very intersting and informative.
  • Load More
Show All

by

Marc3ll

Hi Guys, I guess, being a health conscious person, I am really have to look after my body. We have a choice to make either we make a change on our diet... more »

Feeling creative? Create a Lens!

Explore related pages

Related Tags