Gain Antioxidant Protection And More With Lycopene

Lycopene is a carotene and phytonutrient (health boosting chemical compounds found in plants). It can be sourced from red coloured fruits and vegetables such as pink grapefruit and tomatoes. Studies have shown that it is a powerful antioxidant and may also offer further protection to the human body. In this article I will be providing you with a full overview of lycopene and how it benefits 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 disease where your body's cells start to grow rapidly and uncontrollably), diabetes (a disease where your blood glucose levels become extremely high), a weak immune system and premature 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, more evidence is needed before these protective properties can be confirmed.

3) RECOMMENDED DAILY ALLOWANCE (RDA):

Humans can survive without lycopene so no official RDA has been set. However, it has been suggested that to maintain optimal health you should consume 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 good sources include guavas (5.2mg 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). Fortunately, this can be easily reversed by simply cutting back your consumption of this nutrient.

6) DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:

There are no official deficiency symptoms associated with lycopene consumption. It has been suggested that failing to get enough of it in the long term can cause chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes. However, no evidence is available to back these claims.

7) SUMMARY:

Although you can survive without lycopene, the early evidence is very promising and you should definitely include it in 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.