Lycopene Review & Information: Tomato’s Prostate Cancer Fighter
Lycopene is a powerful phytochemical (plant compound) in the carotenoid family that is found in significant amounts in tomato products. The carotenoids are a group of pigments in plants that are not nutrients per se, but act in concert with other chemicals in the body. The most well known carotenoids are lycopene, which is generally red, and beta-carotene, an orange pigment found in carrots and other orange vegetables.
Lycopene works to counter the damage caused to cells by chemical reactions that involve oxygen. This damage, known as oxidative stress, creates highly unstable toxic molecules known as free radicals. Unpaired electrons in free radicals react negatively with other compounds in an attempt to find the electrons they need.
Free radicals are created as a result of exercise, smoking, pollution, and other environmental conditions. The bottom line is that free radicals damage the body, and antioxidants help to repair this damage. Lycopene is among the most powerful antioxidants known. It is more effective than beta-carotene, vitamin E and vitamin C in its ability to eliminate damage from free radicals.
As an antioxidant, lycopene is thought to be very effective in fighting and preventing cancer, particularly prostate cancer in men. Cancer is often a result of damage caused by free radicals.
A well-known Harvard University study showed a clear link between lycopene consumption and lower rates of prostate cancer.
Men with the highest levels of lycopene consumption had a 21% lower risk of developing the disease, and eating ten or more servings of tomato-based products a week correlated with a 35% lower risk.
Lower rates of other cancers, including stomach and lung cancer, are associated with lycopene consumption as well. Lycopene can also protect skin from damage caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight, reducing the risk of skin cancer. It may also be beneficial in preventing heart disease. One study showed that taking 60 mg of lycopene per day for 3 months reduced LDL cholesterol levels by an average of 14%.
Studies suggest that lycopene from tomatoes can be absorbed more efficiently by the body when the tomatoes are processed using heat. Therefore, tomato sauces and soups are probably better sources of lycopene than raw tomatoes. One hundred grams of tomato paste contains approximately 6.5 mg of lycopene, while 100 grams of raw tomato has about 3.1 mg. Lycopene is also found in pink grapefruit (3.4 mg per 100 grams), watermelon (4.1 mg per 100 grams), and a few other red-toned fruits and vegetables.
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As more and more evidence has pointed to a link between the consumption of lycopene and low rates of cancer, lycopene supplements have grown in popularity among health conscious individuals. Though an optimal dosage has not been established, studies used to determine the effects of lycopene on the body usually use a dosage in the range of 4 to 6.5 mg a day.
Supplements in doses of up to 12 mg have been used safely. While no significant side effects have been reported from the use of lycopene supplements, it is possible that particular brands may contain substances to which individual consumers are sensitive. The use of lycopene by pregnant or lactating women and children has not been studied.
Interested in experimenting?
You can purchase the NOW brand lycopene online from iHerb.com (one of our recommended online merchants). If you’d prefer to get your lycopene from food, however, low sodium V-8 is a great, low-calorie source (17mg per 8 oz serving).
