Can Lycopene Prevent Cancer?

Lycopene is a carotene and phytonutrient (chemical compounds found in plants that have numerous health benefits). It is mainly found in red coloured fruits and vegetables such as pink grapefruits and watermelons. Research has revealed that it is a potent antioxidant that may also have additional health benefits. In this article I will be taking a deeper look at lycopene and its role in the human body.

1) DISCOVERY:

Lycopene was discovered and isolated in 1910.

2) HEALTH BENEFITS:

Lycopene is a potent antioxidant and keeps your body safe from free radicals. Free radicals are dangerous by-products that get released into your body's cells during oxygen based reactions. They have been linked with cancer (a health disorder where your body's cells grow rapidly and uncontrollably), diabetes (a disease where your blood glucose reaches dangerously high levels), a weak immune system and accelerated ageing.

Early studies on this nutrient indicate that it may also be an antibacterial (a substance that inhibits bacterial growth), antifungal (a substance that inhibits fungal infections), antimutagenic (a substance that inhibits genetic mutation) and antitoxic (a substance that protects against toxins). Additionally, it may prevent arteriosclerosis (a condition where your artery walls become hard and lose elasticity), cancer, diabetes and heart disease. However, further evidence is required before these health benefits can be confirmed.

3) RECOMMENDED DAILY ALLOWANCE (RDA):

Humans can survive without lycopene so no official RDA has been set. However, a number of sources recommend eating 6.5 milligrams (mg) of this natural nutrient each day.

4) FOOD SOURCES:

Sundried tomatoes are the richest food source of lycopene available and contain an impressive 42.9mg per 100 grams (g). Other top sources include guavas.2mg per 100g), pink grapefruits (1.4mg per 100g) and watermelons (4.5mg per 100g).

5) OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS:

The only reported overdose symptom associated with lycopene is lycopenodermia (a condition that causes your skin to become orange/yellow coloured). The good news is that this can be reversed by lowering your intake of this nutrient.

6) DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:

There are no official deficiency symptoms associated with lycopene consumption. Some people have suggested that a long term deficiency can lead to chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. However, no studies are available to prove these claims.

7) SUMMARY:

Although you do not need lycopene to survive, the provisional research on this nutrient is very promising and you should make sure it is part of your diet. Have pink grapefruit or watermelon for breakfast, add sundried tomatoes to your lunch or use regular tomatoes in your evening meal and you will be able to supply your body with high levels of this carotene.