Lycopene is a carotenoid pigment that gives fruits and vegetables a red color. It is most well-known for its ability to fight heart disease and cancer, but lycopene has many other health benefits.
It is a red pigment found in tomatoes, watermelons, papayas, apricots, pink grapefruit, guava, and pink guavas. Lycopene belongs to the carotenoid family of plant pigments, including beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect your body from free radicals.
Here are some of the health benefits of lycopene:
- Protects against cancer.
Studies suggest that lycopene may reduce the risk of developing several types of cancer, including prostate cancer, colon cancer, and breast cancer. It may also help slow tumor growth in people who already have cancer.
Several studies have shown that men who consume high amounts of lycopene are at lower risk for prostate cancer than those who eat less dietary lycopene. These findings were confirmed by an analysis of over 2,500 cases of prostate cancer from seven different countries.
Other research has also suggested that lycopene may protect against the development of low-grade prostate cancer and reduce the risk for high-grade tumors. In addition, research suggests that lycopene may protect against certain types of breast cancer, including hormone receptor-negative breast cancer and triple-negative breast cancer.
- It may help improve memory and brain function.
Some studies have shown that eating foods high in lycopene can help improve memory and mental sharpness in older people with mild cognitive decline (MCI). MCI is often an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.
- May protect against heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels and reducing inflammation in your arteries (atherosclerosis).
The oxidation of LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) increases with age and contributes to atherosclerosis, a plaque buildup inside your arteries. Lycopene appears to prevent the oxidation of LDL-C.
Some studies suggest that lycopene may help reduce cholesterol levels in your blood by inhibiting lipid peroxidation (the oxidation of low-density lipoproteins or “bad” cholesterol). A 2013 meta-analysis found that a higher lycopene intake was associated with a lower risk for coronary heart disease.
- May boosts immunity
Lycopene acts as an anti-inflammatory agent that helps reduce inflammation in the body. The immune system depends on healthy cells, constantly being replaced to function properly. Lycopene protects these cells from free radical damage, decreasing their ability to defend against infections such as colds or flu. According to some studies, in addition to its immune-boosting properties, lycopene may also help prevent certain types of cancer, such as prostate cancer.
- It possesses antioxidant properties.
Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant protecting against oxidative stress-induced cell damage (1). Antioxidants can neutralize free radicals before they cause any harm to your body’s cells. Free radicals can cause cell damage that accelerates the aging process and increases your risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
- May reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease
A recent study suggests that lycopene may help prevent or slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in people who are genetically predisposed to create it.
