Lycopene - Nature Cures®

Lycopene is the bright red pigment that is found in fruits and vegetables. It does not convert to vitamin A like other carotenoids but has important cancer fighting properties and other health benefits. While it is not essential, it is a powerful antioxidant which reduces the amounts of free radicals found in the body.

Consuming lycopene helps to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, cancers of the breast, lungs, prostate and stomach. It can also help to prevent osteoporosis and protects LDL cholesterol from oxidation, which prevents heart disease.

Lycopene also has anti-obesity and anti-diabetic properties and helps to protect tissues, including adipose tissue, and various organs.

Organs protected by regular consumption of lycopene

Brain
Eyes
Intestines
Kidney
Liver
Ovaries
Pancreas

Lycopene is non-toxic and can be consumed in large amounts, although eating too much lycopene can give the skin a temporary red tint known as lycopenodermia. This condition is considered harmless and will go away on its own when lycopene is no longer consumed. Some people may have an intolerance to lycopene. Symptoms are similar to gastroenteritis, with onset delayed 12-24 hours from ingestion.

Natural sources of lycopene in alphabetical order

Apricots
Asparagus
Basil
Bell peppers (red)
Cabbage (red)
Chilli peppers (red)
Grapefruit (pink)
Guava
Lettuce (romaine)
Oranges (blood)
Papaya
Parsley
Persimmon fruit
Rosehips
Tomatoes (sun dried or cooked)
Watermelon

NOTE 1: Lycopene is fat-soluble, therefore, it must be consumed with fat-rich foods such as avocado, coconut, fish, nuts, seeds or olive oil or other cold-pressed plant oils.

NOTE 2: Grapefruit can react with many types of drugs especially those that lower cholesterol and blood pressure. See>> Medication dangers

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