Lycopene: The Miracle Carotenoid WPACHEM

Lycopene: The Miracle Carotenoid

Lycopene, also known as lycopersicum, is a plant chemical with medicinal properties that combats free radicals by protecting cells from damage, which can accelerate aging in skin, heart, and other tissues.

As a food additive, it is classified as E160d.

Attributes and Benefits

In the human body, lycopene possesses medicinal attributes and benefits such as skin protection and acting as an antioxidant to prevent oxidation and inflammation. It is absorbed in the intestines through food intake, which is the most common source, or through dietary supplements typically sold in capsules or tablets.

Once metabolized, it can be detected in the bloodstream as it is transported by some lipoproteins, with the largest amounts found in fat tissue, skin, adrenal glands, and liver. After consumption, it is also present in other parts of the body, albeit in smaller quantities.

Attributes and Benefits of Lycopene

We can attribute the following properties to lycopene:

• Anti-cancer.
• Antioxidant.
• Anti-aging.
• Cardiovascular protection.
• Anti-hypercholesterolemic.

Cancer

Research has delved into the characteristics of lycopene in inhibiting the emergence of prostate cancer, finding that individuals who consume foods rich in lycopene have a lower chance of developing the disease.

However, despite many indications of its potential anti-cancer properties, the evidence is still insufficient, and further research is needed to prove its characteristics similar to other antioxidant flavonoids.

Part of the benefits of lycopene in fighting cancer is attributed to the action of this plant chemical on molecules that initiate the degeneration of cancer.

Many cancer processes are the result of oxidative damage. This damage can disrupt cellular DNA, leading to abnormal cell growth and differentiation. Lycopene’s action against prostate cancer is achieved by neutralizing free radicals (oxides and peroxides), similar to the action of other antioxidants. This is also why the benefits of resveratrol are somewhat similar. They capture free molecules that damage cellular tissue, thus reducing their harm.

Anti-Aging Skin Benefits

Considered one of the best natural antioxidants, lycopene has anti-aging properties that help delay the aging and deterioration of the skin.

It protects epithelial cells from damage caused mainly by free radicals. These free radicals produce what is known as oxidative stress, which not only ages the skin but also leads to the formation of tumors in certain cardiovascular diseases and cancers.

It is believed that the effects of lycopene are stronger than those of other antioxidant vitamins such as B2, C, D, and even E. All these vitamins are recognized for their role in preventing oxidative stress. Additionally, its effects are also stronger than those of beta-carotene.

Macular Degeneration

By providing remedies for the aging cardiovascular system and maintaining the youthfulness of capillaries, lycopene is a natural antidote to macular degeneration and eye diseases that lead to blindness.

It strengthens capillaries and veins throughout the body, and in many cases, can prevent eye hemorrhages, thus preventing poor vision and partial or total blindness in people over 60.

Cholesterol

The latest data show that lycopene also has beneficial effects on the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. This type of cholesterol is considered harmful as it can trigger cardiovascular diseases and atherosclerosis.

To reduce cholesterol levels, it is recommended to consume fresh tomatoes, carrots, and red fruits, which are among the best natural sources of lycopene, in addition to medical treatment when necessary.

Prostate

Lycopene plays a significant role in preventing prostate cancer by inhibiting oxidation caused by free radicals. Consuming tomatoes and carrots is one of the best ways to achieve this goal.

Although studies have tried to prove the anti-prostate cancer properties of lycopene, the reality is not so. The benefits of lycopene are associated with the consumption of whole tomatoes, which contain a variety of polyphenols, vitamins, and minerals, and it has not been proven that taking lycopene capsules have anti-cancer effects or reduce the incidence of prostate cancer in the human body.

Contraindications and Side Effects

Contraindications of Lycopene

Carotenodermia.

As lycopene can be used as a food dye, its coloring and ability to change the color of tissues means that individuals with carotenodermia (a disease characterized by yellowing of the skin) should avoid consuming large amounts of this plant chemical.

The contraindications of lycopene include this skin disease. Those with high levels of beta-carotene should not increase the intake of any types of antioxidants and polyphenols unless specifically advised by a doctor.

Side Effects

Diarrhea.
Nausea.
Vomiting.
Stomach cramps.
Gas.
Stomach pain.
Loss of appetite.

Lycopene is considered safe, although some individuals may experience side effects from lycopene. Typically, these side effects are related to gastrointestinal discomfort and can vary depending on individual tolerance.

There are no contraindications or side effects of consuming lycopene during pregnancy and breastfeeding, although it is true that higher levels of this substance are detected in breast milk. However, no adverse effects on infant or fetal development have been reported in such cases.

If pregnant, it is recommended to avoid dietary supplements unless they are specifically designed to correct nutritional deficiencies that may arise during pregnancy.

Now that we have understood all the characteristics and benefits of lycopene, as well as the potential adverse reactions it may cause, let’s introduce the foods richest in lycopene.

Foods Rich in Lycopene

Most red, orange, and pink-colored foods are rich in lycopene, although some foods of other colors also contain lycopene, but almost always in smaller amounts.

Foods Rich in Lycopene

Foods rich in lycopene include:

Olive oil.
Apricots.
Cherries.
Strawberries.
Guava.
Papaya.
Grapefruit.
Rose hips.
Watermelon.
Tomatoes.
Carrots.

Lycopene in Tomatoes

Tomatoes are considered one of the best foods for lycopene. They contain a large amount of antioxidants, and as their color suggests, the pigment they contain gives them their bright red color.

In addition to the plant chemical, tomatoes are also an important source of beta-carotene and vitamin A, which are substances that protect the cardiovascular system and also help to delay the aging of the eyes and skin.

The content of lycopene in tomatoes varies depending on the form of consumption, i.e., whether fresh, chopped, or made into juice, the content will change.

The content of lycopene in tomatoes is as follows:

Lycopene content in tomatoes (per 100g)
Tomato juice 5 to 11.6 mg
Fresh tomatoes 0.72 to 20 mg
Tomato sauce Average 6 mg

In the composition of tomatoes, lycopene is the most abundant carotenoid, accounting for 80% to 90% of all carotenoids in this fruit.

In addition, tomatoes contain fiber and very few calories, making them an indispensable element in the diet of adults, the elderly, and children.

Olive Oil

Although it has not been proven that olives or olive oil contain large amounts of lycopene, there are indeed some companies that fortify this product to make it more effective against human health problems.

Lycopene oil is a processed, fortified product, that is, after the extraction of olive oil, carotenoids are added. In this way, lycopene can be obtained in the oil to supplement the diet in a healthy way and provide all the benefits of this nutrient for human health.

Lycopene and Lutein

Both are antioxidants beneficial to the human body, and their effects are stronger when used together.

Lycopene and lutein are carotenoids with some similar effects but complementary to each other.

Lycopene is red, while lutein is yellow, so the former can be found in red fruits and vegetables, and the latter in yellow foods such as peppers, plums, etc.

The combination of lutein and lycopene makes the antioxidant effect stronger and is also beneficial in fighting cancer.

Lycopene regulates cell cycle, replication, and differentiation, while lutein has detoxifying properties, promoting the excretion of carcinogens from the body.

Both of these pigments or carotenoids have the characteristic of increasing cancer cell apoptosis, reducing tumor risk, and improving blood circulation.

Lycopene and Vitamins

Although lycopene is a carotenoid, it does not convert into vitamin A. Other carotenoids undergo this transformation and are therefore classified as provitamin A carotenoids.

However, despite this lack of conversion, the characteristics of lycopene are enhanced when combined with vitamin E. Both substances are used as elements to prevent cancer, especially for those with a family history or already suffering from tumors such as lung, stomach, and pancreatic cancer.

Sometimes it is also recommended to include vitamin C in the diet because of its antioxidant action, together with other vitamins and flavonoids with the same effect, promoting greater protection against cell DNA degeneration and replication.

Uses

Cardiovascular protector.
Anti-aging supplement.
Eye protector.
Food color E160d.

Mostly, lycopene is used as an antioxidant product to protect the skin and prevent wrinkles from appearing in the medium to long term. It is also used as a supplement for beauty treatments.

It plays an important role in reducing cell damage, improving heart efficiency, and protecting vital organs

Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, exerts its antioxidant effects in the human body primarily through the following mechanisms:

1. Neutralizing Free Radicals: Lycopene neutralizes free radicals, which are unstable molecules that cause cellular damage and inflammation. Free radicals can disrupt cell membranes, proteins, and DNA, leading to cellular dysfunction or death. Lycopene provides electrons to free radicals, stabilizing them and thus reducing cellular damage.
2. Preventing Oxidative Stress: Oxidative stress refers to an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body’s antioxidant defenses. Lycopene helps maintain the balance between oxidation and antioxidation by reducing the production of free radicals and enhancing the body’s antioxidant defense systems.
3. Protecting Cell Membranes: The cell membrane is the external barrier of the cell and is susceptible to free radical attacks. Lycopene can penetrate cell membranes, protecting them from oxidative damage.
4. Reducing Inflammation: Inflammation is the body’s response to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can lead to various diseases. Lycopene can reduce the production of inflammatory mediators, thereby helping to decrease inflammatory responses.
5. Supporting the Immune System: Lycopene helps enhance the function of the immune system by increasing the activity of immune cells and strengthening their defense against pathogens.
6. Promoting Cardiovascular Health: Lycopene helps prevent the oxidation of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
7. Protecting DNA: Lycopene protects DNA within the cell nucleus from free radical attacks, reducing the risk of genetic mutations.
8. Helping to Prevent Certain Types of Cancer: Some studies suggest that lycopene may help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, such as prostate cancer, because it can reduce the damage caused by free radicals to cells, thereby lowering the incidence of cancer.

Through these mechanisms, lycopene plays an important antioxidant role in the human body, helping to maintain overall health and prevent a variety of chronic diseases.

WPA Chemicals Limited