Lycopene Molecular Structure
Lycopene is a Carotenoid possessing powerful Antioxidant properties. Unlike other Carotenoids, Lycopene cannot be converted to Vitamin A within the body. Supplemental Lycopene is derived mostly from Tomatoes. Lycopene has powerful Antioxidant properties effectively scavenging Peroxyl, Peroxynitrite and Singlet Oxygen Free Radicals. Lycopene tends to concentrate in the following organs: Heart, Pancreas, Kidneys, Liver, Spleen, Thyroid, Skin, Adrenal Glands and Testicles. Lycopene is absorbed more effectively from cooked foods than from raw. Lycopene benefits from supplementation have been shown to be just as effective as that which comes from food.
Perhaps the most well-known use for Lycopene is its role in the prevention and treatment of Prostate Cancer. From PubMed: “Despite being one of the most common malignancies, the preventable measures for prostate cancer remain poorly defined. Dietary intake of tomatoes and tomato products containing lycopene have been shown in cell culture, animal, epidemiologic and case-control studies to be inversely associated with the risk of prostate cancer. Its unique structural and biologic properties enable lycopene to prevent free-radical damage to cells caused by reactive oxygen species, thus acting as a potent antioxidant. Although some studies have provided contradictory results, these should not be considered incongruous to the many larger studies which have shown reliable results in favor of prostate cancer. Further research involving large randomized case-control trials would confirm the potential anticancer effect of this molecule, which might provide new dimensions not only to the prevention but also the treatment of prostate cancer.”
The Health Benefits of Lycopene:
CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
• May prevent Atherosclerosis.
• Helps to prevent Abnormal Blood Clotting.
• May help to prevent Heart Attack.
• Can alleviate High Blood Pressure (Hypertension).
• May help to prevent Stroke.
DETOXIFICATION
• May inhibit the ability of Methanol to damage the Liver.
• Inhibits Cellular damage from Gamma-Rays.
• May protect the body from the toxic effects of Radioactivity.
• Limits the ability of Ozone to damage the Lungs.
• Reduces the toxicity of Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs).
• Helps reduce the toxicity of Heavy Metals such as:
▪ Cadmium
▪ Iron
▪ Mercury
• Doxorubicin and Gentamicin toxicity are reduced by supplementation.
• Inhibits the ability of Tobacco to cause Stomach Cancer and Emphysema.
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
• Helps to reduce the Inflammation caused by Gliadin consumption in Celiac Disease patients.
• Inflammation associated with Colitis may be reduced by supplementation.
EYES / VISION
• Helps prevent Cataracts.
IMMUNE SYSTEM
• Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) patients are often deficient.
• May protect the body from the following Cancers:
▪ Bladder
▪ Breast
▪ Cervical
▪ Colon
▪ Endometrial
▪ Esophageal
▪ Gliomas
▪ Leukemia
▪ Liver
▪ Lung
▪ Oral
▪ Ovarian
▪ Pancreatic
▪ Pharyngeal
▪ Prostate
▪ Stomach
• May prevent Cervical Dysplasia.
• Helps reduce Inflammation.
• Useful in the treatment of Leukoplakia.
• Protects Lymphocytes from oxidative damage.
METABOLISM
• Lycopene is a powerful Antioxidant.
• Scavenges Peroxyl, Peroxynitrite and Singlet Oxygen Free Radicals.
• Can inhibit the progression of Cirrhosis.
• May help to prevent Diabetes Mellitus Type 2.
• LDL Cholesterol (bad Cholesterol) may lowered by supplementation.
• Inhibits the oxidation of LDL Cholesterol.
MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM
• Stimulates the production and activity of Osteoblasts.
• Inhibits the formation of Osteoclasts.
• May prevent Osteoporosis.
NERVOUS SYSTEM
• People who consume high levels of Lycopene have been shown to have a lower incidence of Alzheimer’s Disease.
ORAL HEALTH
• Useful in the treatment of Gingivitis.
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
• Asthma (including exercise-induced Asthma) may be prevented by supplementation.
• Inhibits the ability of Tobacco to cause Emphysema.
• Helps to improve Lung function.
SEXUAL SYSTEM (Female)
• May prevent/treat the scarring that occurs with Endometriosis.
• Preeclampsia may be prevented with supplementation.
SEXUAL SYSTEM (Male)
• Enlarged Prostate may be prevented/treated with supplementation.
• Male Infertility may be alleviated by Lycopene due to its ability to improve Sperm count, shape and motility.
SKIN
• May increase the exposure threshold of Ultraviolet Radiation (Sunlight) to cause Sunburn.
High Lycopene Containing Foods
USAGE
The typical dose of Lycopene from 5-20mg per day. Lycopene should be consumed with meals containing dietary fats. Consuming more than 20,000 IU of Beta-Carotene can cause a deficiency in Lycopene. The drug Cholestyramine depletes the bodies Lycopene by about 30%. The Lycopene contained in food is better absorbed when the food is cooked.
CAUTION:
• Because Lycopene supplementation is associated with strong antioxidant effects, it has the potential to interfere with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Cancer patients should use caution if considering an increase in their Lycopene intake. After chemotherapy or radiation is discontinued, one may resume their Lycopene regimen.
Role of Lycopene in Cancer Prevention & Treatment
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