Lycopene

Lycopene is an antioxidant essential for the human body. Let's consider its beneficial properties, products containing this substance and features of use.

Lycopene is a red pigment that breaks down fats. It is found in large quantities in tomatoes. Lycopene is a carotenoid pigment of natural origin, which is responsible for the bright color of fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers and autumn leaves. It is rightfully considered the best antioxidant and is more effective than other carotenoids. Products rich in this substance protect the body's cells from the harmful effects of free radicals, so they can be used to prevent certain types of cancer. Lycopene prevents cholesterol oxidation, which prevents cardiovascular diseases and protects against atherosclerosis.

Antioxidants are necessary for everyone, as they form a healthy heart and vascular system. Many nutritionists claim that by following a diet rich in lycopene, you can prevent coronary heart disease. Lycopene is very important for people who regularly smoke and drink alcohol, as the body experiences a deficiency of carotenoids. Most of this substance is found in tomatoes, watermelon, grapefruit, guava, pumpkin, persimmon and apricots.

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Benefits of Lycopene

The benefits of lycopene for the body are that this substance suppresses pathogenic microflora in the intestines, normalizes appetite and promotes weight loss, normalizes cholesterol metabolism in the body and prevents cardiovascular diseases.

Lycopene has antibacterial and antifungal properties, so it can be used as a preventative measure against various diseases, including liver disorders. The antioxidant is good for the skin, strengthens the walls of capillaries and blood vessels. When lycopene interacts with other carotenoids, it improves tanning and reduces the risk of sunburn.

Useful properties of lycopene:

• Activation of digestion and weight loss.
• Antifungal and antibacterial effect.
• Normalization of acid-base balance in the body.
• Normalization of cholesterol metabolism and participation in hematopoiesis.
• Strengthening the cardiovascular system.
• Suppression of pathogenic intestinal microflora.

Properties of lycopene

The properties of lycopene are indispensable for the human body. The substance activates the digestion process and normalizes cholesterol metabolism. Eating foods with antioxidants normalizes appetite, maintains the acid-base balance, suppresses pathogenic intestinal microflora, promotes weight loss and protects against cardiovascular diseases. Due to its antifungal and antibacterial properties, lycopene strengthens the walls of capillaries and blood vessels, which allows nourishing and rejuvenating the skin of the face. The plant pigment is used to prevent various liver lesions.

• Since lycopene is an antioxidant, it destroys free radicals, i.e. molecules that cause various diseases. The lycopene diet reduces the risk of developing a number of chronic diseases, both cardiovascular and internal.
• High levels of lycopene reduce the level of oxidized DNA components, which acts as a kind of prevention of stomach and prostate cancer. In addition, lycopene is the only carotenoid that prevents cancer.
• According to recent clinical studies, regular use of lycopene slows down the growth rate of cancer cells by about 70%. Eating tomatoes a couple of times a week will reduce the risk of cancer by 35%.

Instructions for lycopene

The instructions for lycopene, as for any other drug, allow you to learn about the indications for its use and contraindications, side effects, dosage and other features of use. The plant antioxidant is an immunostimulating drug.

• The main indications for use are the treatment and prevention of diseases of the pancreas and gastrointestinal tract, anemia, chronic constipation, dysbacteriosis, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, vitamin deficiency, skin lesions, mineral metabolism disorders, and the treatment of secondary immunodeficiencies.
• Lycopene is contraindicated for pediatric patients and those with gallstone disease. Pregnancy and lactation, hypersensitivity to the drug are also contraindications.
• The drug is taken before meals. For patients aged 12-14 years, the recommended dose is 1 tablet once a day, from 14-16 years old - 1 tablet 1-2 times a day, and adults - 2 tablets 1-3 times a day. The norm of the drug is no more than 10 mg per day, for example, tomatoes contain 5-50 mg / kg, and grapefruit 30 mg / kg.

Contraindications to the use of lycopene

Contraindications to the use of lycopene are minimal. The plant pigment is not recommended for people with gallstone disease, women during pregnancy and lactation, and children under 12 years of age. Contraindications concern large doses of lycopene, both natural and pharmaceutical.

The norm for carotenoid consumption has not been established, but the lower limit is at least 1 tablespoon of tomato paste per day. 500 ml of tomato juice contains 40 mg of lycopene, daily use of this amount of natural antioxidant can correct the cholesterol content in the body. Lycopene is fat-soluble, but fats are required for its absorption. Insufficient fats in a lycopene diet lead to damage to the gallbladder.

The antioxidant is not toxic, but its high doses can cause orange-yellow coloration of the skin and liver, a phenomenon called lycopenoderma. But under certain circumstances, lycopene oxidizes and turns into a free radical. Cigarette smoke acts as an oxidizer. Thus, according to studies, smokers who took lycopene supplements for a long period of time had an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

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Where is lycopene found?

Where is lycopene found and what foods should be consumed to maintain normal levels of carotenoids in the blood? So, tomatoes are the leaders in the content of this substance. At the same time, red fruits of the vegetable contain less lycopene, unlike orange varieties. The peculiarity of the plant antioxidant is that it is not destroyed after heat treatment, it is preserved and concentrated in products: juice, paste, ketchup. The second in lycopene content is watermelon, red grapefruit and guava.

The substance is found in large quantities in vegetables, fruits and red berries. But do not forget that lycopene is a coloring agent, so in high doses it can change the pigmentation of the skin. For example, in Thailand it is not customary to eat tomatoes, since many people believe that the vegetable causes dark spots on the skin.

Lycopene is well absorbed after heat treatment, unlike other vegetables and fruits, which are better absorbed in raw form. Thus, the ideal source of antioxidant is stewed tomatoes or any other tomato dish, which contains vegetable oils. Lycopene should enter the body with food, as this contributes to its accumulation in the cells of organs. For example, if you do not eat tomatoes or tomato dishes for a week, the level of lycopene in the body will drop by 50%.

Lycopene in foods

Lycopene in food is a plant pigment with antioxidant properties. The substance is not destroyed by heat treatment, but rather promotes its better absorption. It is found in large quantities in tomatoes. Two glasses of tomato juice provide the daily requirement for the plant antioxidant.

Product	Lycopene content mg/100 g wet weight
Fresh tomatoes	0.72-20
Tomato juice	5-11.6
Tomato sauce	6.20
Tomato paste	5.40-150
Ketchup	9.90-13.44
Melon	2.3-7.2
Guava	5.23-5.50
Grapefruit	0.35-3.36
Carrot	0.65-0.78
Apricot	0.01-0.05

Lycopene is found in some fruits, vegetables and berries: tomatoes, pink grapefruit, guava, watermelon, pomegranate, rose hips, persimmon, apricots, papaya, beetroot, red cabbage, carrots, asparagus, red bell pepper. The leader in the content of plant antioxidants is the tomato, which has real rejuvenating properties. So, to provide the body with a daily dose of lycopene, you need to eat 5-15 kg of tomatoes, 500 ml of tomato juice or 1 spoon of tomato paste. The substance has a beneficial effect on the entire body, helps to increase collagen in the skin by 30%.

Lycopene in tomatoes

Tomatoes contain a large amount of lycopene, so this vegetable is indispensable for the human body. Tomato seeds are good for the circulatory system, they thin the blood and reduce the risk of developing serious diseases, including thrombosis. That is why it is recommended to eat tomatoes with seeds to prevent the cardiovascular system. As for the skin of the vegetable, many do not eat it, since it is not digested. But it is this factor that helps to normalize the gastrointestinal tract and is an excellent preventative for constipation.

For better absorption of lycopene, it is recommended to eat tomatoes after preliminary heat treatment. The antioxidant is perfectly absorbed from ketchup, tomato paste or tomato juice, unlike fresh fruits. But it is necessary to know the measure, since excessive consumption of tomatoes by people with gallstone disease causes an exacerbation of the disease. And long-term consumption of tomato juice in combination with starchy products leads to the formation of stones in the bladder and kidneys. Restrictions apply to canned, pickled and salted tomatoes. Due to the high content of table salt in these products, they are not recommended for people with hypertension and any other diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Lycopene in the pharmacy

Lycopene is sold in pharmacies in the form of capsules, tablets and powder for oral administration. This substance is related to carotenoids, but does not have A-vitamin activity. That is, the main function of lycopene is antioxidant. The plant pigment has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system, has antifungal and antibacterial properties.

Let's consider the main properties of lycopene for the human body:

• Cancer prevention – regular consumption of foods with antioxidants reduces the risk of developing lung, stomach and prostate cancer.
• Prevention of cardiovascular diseases – reduces the risk of developing coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis.
• Prevention of eye diseases – lycopene oxidation products are essential for the retina, as they slow down degenerative processes. High levels of lycopene in the blood reduce the risk of developing cataracts. Lycopene is effective in the treatment and prevention of inflammatory diseases.

Preparations that include a plant antioxidant are produced by extracting it from plants. It can also be used as a food additive, usually as a dye E160d. The substance is also used in the cosmetics industry as a dye and an active component of skin care masks.

Apiferrum with lycopene

Apiferrum with lycopene is a health product with a restorative effect. It contains various enzymes and antioxidants, including lycopene. The use of Apiferrum promotes the natural removal of toxins, waste, inflammatory agents and bacterial waste products from the blood. The medicine reduces blood cholesterol levels by 15%, normalizes appetite and the acid-base balance in the body.

The drug has a positive effect on hematopoiesis, promotes rapid healing of wounds after injuries, fractures and surgeries, accelerates recovery processes. Apiferrum contains a complex of tomato lycopene, natural honey, propolis, sesame and garlic oil, dry deer blood and other components. The drug is taken without a doctor's prescription.

Balsam apiferrum with lycopene

Balsam apiferrum with lycopene is a biologically active food supplement. The preparation is a source of lycopene, polyphenolic compounds, iron, linoleic acid and other components necessary for the normal functioning of the body. The balm normalizes appetite and cholesterol levels in the blood, prevents the development of atherosclerosis and many chronic diseases.

Indications for use of the balm:

• Disorders of the cardiovascular system and hematopoietic organs: pressure drops, varicose veins, atherosclerosis, angina, arrhythmia, heart attack, stroke, anemia, low hemoglobin. •
• Prevention of oncological diseases.
• Treatment and prevention of diseases of the digestive system: gastritis, liver damage.
• Diseases of the musculoskeletal system: osteochondrosis, arthritis and others.
• The drug is effective in cases of immune system disorders, viral diseases and frequent colds.
• Diseases of the nervous system, overwork, deterioration of attention and memory.
• Disorders of the genitourinary system: gynecological diseases, prostatitis, adenoma.
• Diseases of the skin and endocrine system.

The balm is contraindicated for use in case of allergic reactions to bee products, during pregnancy and lactation, and in case of individual intolerance to the components of the dietary supplement.

Before using Apiferrum, it is recommended to consult with your doctor. Adults and patients over 14 years of age are allowed to take 2-3 teaspoons of balm 2 times a day 30 minutes before meals. The duration of use is 4-6 weeks, if necessary, the treatment can be repeated.

Lacto lycopene

Lacto lycopene is a substance that stimulates the renewal of deep layers of the skin, the synthesis of elastin and collagen. It protects collagen fibers from destruction and has high bioavailability, unlike regular lycopene. Lacto antioxidant was developed by the INNEOV laboratory and is available in tablet form.

The preparation is recommended for use by women with signs of aging of the body and face, i.e. with dull skin color, superficial and deep wrinkles, with a decrease in the density and elasticity of the skin. Lacto lycopene is easily absorbed by the body and penetrates into the deepest layers of the skin and has a beneficial effect on cellular fibers.

In addition to lycopene, the preparation contains vitamin C, which acts as a powerful antioxidant and improves the synthesis of elastin and collagen fibers. Soy isoflavones improve cellular renewal and activate the synthesis of new fibers. It is recommended to take the product for at least three months, 2 tablets once a day.

Lycopene in tablets

Lycopene tablets can be purchased at any pharmacy. Scientists at Cambridge University have proven that drugs that contain this antioxidant reduce the risk of developing cancer and cardiovascular disease. The most popular tablets with lycopene are: Ateronon, Likopid, Likoprofit, Apiferrum, Tianshi and others. The drugs contain plant pigment and are most often used to restore arteries.

Regular use of the tablets improves blood flow, softens arteries that can harden with age, restores the efficiency of blood vessels and reduces the risk of strokes and heart attacks. The tablets activate the digestion process, suppress pathogenic intestinal microflora, strengthen the walls of blood vessels and capillaries, and have an antibacterial and antifungal effect.

Price of lycopene

The price of lycopene depends on the form of the drug, additional components included in the dietary supplement, the manufacturer and the pharmacy chain in which it is offered for sale.

• Lacto lycopene costs about 570 UAH.
• Ateronon balm with lycopene – from 150 UAH.
• Lycopene in the form of tablets and capsules from 400 UAH per 100 pieces.

But do not forget that organic antioxidant can be obtained from vegetables, fruits and berries, which are not only good for the body, but also tasty.

Lycopene Reviews

Numerous positive reviews of lycopene confirm its irreplaceable properties for the human body. The plant antioxidant is an excellent preventative for cardiovascular diseases and significantly reduces the level of bad cholesterol in the blood.

Lycopene is found in vegetables and fruits, and is also available in the form of dietary supplements and tablets. Eating several tomatoes a day, drinking a couple of glasses of tomato juice or eating a spoonful of tomato paste can completely protect the body from the negative effects of the environment.