Lycopene is an antioxidant, it neutralizes free radicals. Lycopene is not water soluble and is resistant to breakdown caused by heat, which makes the lycopene more available to the body. Although direct correlation of lycopene and treatment or prevention of disease has not been firmly established, lycopene appears to support cardiovascular, eye, and prostate health as well as promoting general well-being and fighting disease.
Lycopene
Lycopene is an antioxidant that may support prostate health and prevent heart disease and macular degeneration. It is found in many foods such as tomatoes, papaya, watermelon and pink grapefruit and other healthy foods, which have the red pigmentation. Supplements have higher amounts of lycopene than food and are a viable option to increasing your lycopene levels.
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1 AnswerA
Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answeredLycopene may interact with certain medications used to treat cancer and bacterial infections. The safety of lycopene supplements has not been thoroughly studied. Review of available scientific literature finds tomatoes, tomato-based products and lycopene supplements generally well tolerated. However, rare reports of diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain or cramps, gas, vomiting and loss of appetite have been reported. Tomatoes and tomato-based products may be acidic and irritate stomach ulcers. Lycopene has been associated with death from a cancer-related hemorrhage, although causality is unclear. -
4 AnswersA
Joan Salge Blake, MS, RD , Nutrition & Dietetics, answered on behalf of Academy of Nutrition and DieteticsSee All 4 AnswersWith prostate cancer being the second leading cause of cancer death among American males, the photochemical, lycopene, may be one of best disease-fighting compounds on the plate. Research suggests that lycopene found in tomatoes and tomato products may help prevent prostate cancer. Cooking the tomatoes as well as serving them with a tad of oil has also shown to enhance the body’s absorption of this photochemical. Watermelon, pink grapefruit, and guava are other delicious food sources of lycopene.
For more on men's health, please see: http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/health/blog/nutrition/2012/06/mens_health_what_you_dont_eat.html
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1 AnswerA
Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answeredLycopene is found naturally in the human body and is generally considered safe for consumption through food products. Anyone who is interested in supporting general health and well-being and preventing cancer should be consuming fruits and vegetables, like tomatoes, pink grapefruit, and payapa. No studies have concretely determined the definitive causal relationship between an increase in lycopene and specific changes in the body, but many studies have shown that diets rich in lycopene seem to improve prostate, cardiovascular, and eye health, and general well-being. Doctors do not usually diagnose 'lycopene deficiency' but if you have benign prostate hyperplasia, exercise induced asthma, macular degeneration, hypertension, or gingivitis, increasing your lycopene intake could prove beneficial. If you are considering a lycopene supplement, you may want to consult your doctor first.
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answeredThe best way to take lycopene is through consuming a variety of fruits, vegetables. Lycopene becomes more effective and available to the body when heated and used in conjunction with fat products. Tomato products that have been processed contain lycopene that is much better absorbed than that in fresh tomatoes. You may also take lycopene in softgel or capsule form or within a multivitamin or mineral compound.
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answeredLycopene should not be consumed if you are allergic to the food or product that contains lycopene. If you have a stomach ulcer or gastrointestinal conditions that are irritated by products that contain lycopene, particularly tomatoes, you should not use those products. If you are being treated for cancer, you should consult with your doctor regarding the possible interactions. Lycopene is not recommended as a supplement for children.
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answeredLycopene is most commonly consumed through fruits and vegetables and is considered safe. Risks include any allergic reactions to tomatoes or lycopene. Tomatoes may sometimes cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and might irritate ulcers. The risks of using lycopene supplements at doses larger than obtained through food consumption have not been studied enough to be absolutely certain.
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answeredLycopene is an antioxidant used in the body primarily to fight the cell damage caused by free radicals that lead to illnesses like cancer and heart disease. Lycopene also helps to fight asthma related inflammation, diabetes, skin problems, and dental conditions like gingivitis. Lycopene also helps to fight cell damage from environmental and food-borne toxins, like smoking and sunburn.
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answeredLycopene is general considered safe for consumption, but like with any medicine, if you are taking lycopene in supplement form, you should let your doctor know. The effects of lycopene in high dose supplement form have not been thoroughly studied so the immediate and long term effects may not be completely understood. Lycopene may also cause allergic reactions or gastrointestinal problems, and may interact with certain medications.
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answeredLycopene is generally considered safe, especially as consumed in a variety of fruits and vegetables. Studies have shown that increased tomato consumption will increase the concentration of lycopene in breast milk. If you are concerned about the effects of lycopene on your nursing infant, or if you notice any unusual symptoms after eating tomatoes, consult your doctor. Always consult your doctor before taking medicines or supplements of any kind while breastfeeding.