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The Fascinating World of Lycopene: A Nutritional Powerhouse and Athletic Marvel

Lycopene, a pigment responsible for the vibrant red hue in many fruits and vegetables, is more than just a colorful component. As a carotenoid and an antioxidant, it has piqued the interest of researchers, nutritionists, and athletes alike... As science continues to explore this intriguing carotenoid, we may well be on the brink of uncovering its full potential. From antioxidants to potential athletic support, lycopene exemplifies the old adage: good things often come in small—and colorful—packages.

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 A Passion for Tomatoes

Whatever the variety—commercial hybrid or precious heirloom—the plump juicy “vegetable” has a place in our hearts.

Articles of Interest

Food First: Lycopene

Unlike many nutrients found in our fruits and vegetables, the bioavailability of lycopene - its ability to be more fully digested, absorbed, and utilized within the body - is actually enhanced through the process of cooking. If you’re not quite ready to turn those end of season tomatoes into sauce just yet, combining lycopene foods with fat sources can also improve its bioavailability.

An Update on the Health Effects of Tomato Lycopene

It is possible that there are other bioactive lycopene metabolites that are yet to be identified. Further work must be done to understand how lycopene is metabolized in fruits and vegetables and whether these products are absorbed into the bloodstream and distributed and stored in tissues. In addition, more research is needed to understand how lycopene is metabolized in humans and whether these metabolites have biological effects.

Lycopene (Lycopersicon Esculentum)

Tomatoes were grown and harvested as early as 700 BC by the Aztecs and Incas. During the 16th century, the Spanish Conquistadors brought the tomato plant north to Central America and Mexico. Europeans took tomato seeds back to Europe and the tomato became popular in the countries of Italy, Portugal, and Spain. Lycopene is a carotenoid, which is responsible for giving fruits and vegetables – especially tomatoes – their red color, and is one of the most potent antioxidants among dietary carotenoids. It is used in toners and cleansers as a gentle astringent and for its exfoliating properties that cleanse pores to deliver brighter, glowing skin

Lycopene as a Natural Antioxidant Used to Prevent Human Health Disorders

Lycopene, belonging to the carotenoids, is a tetraterpene compound abundantly found in tomato and tomato-based products. It is fundamentally recognized as a potent antioxidant and a non-pro-vitamin A carotenoid. Lycopene has been found to be efficient in ameliorating cancer insurgences, diabetes mellitus, cardiac complications, oxidative stress-mediated malfunctions, inflammatory events, skin and bone diseases, hepatic, neural and reproductive disorders.

Lycopene Linked to Reduced Stroke Risk

The authors acknowledge that the number of strokes was small and that they lacked the data to control for other possible dietary influences. Still, the long follow-up and reliable diagnoses give the study considerable strength.

Lycopene-rich tomatoes linked to lower stroke risk

They are heaven on a burger and superstars in a sauce. But succulent tomatoes are far more than just a delicious fruit. Eating tomatoes may also help lower your risk of stroke, likely due to the lycopene they contain.

Lycopene: Is it Beneficial to Human Health as an Antioxidant?

Lycopene, which belongs to the carotenoid family, is the most effective singlet oxygen scavenger in vitro of all the carotenoids. Foods that contain lycopene and related supplements have been reported to prevent chronic diseases including cancer, asthma, and cardiovascular disorders. The aim of the article was to give a brief review of the antioxidant properties and beneficial health effects of lycopene.

Tomato extract relieves damaged arteries, finds Cambridge study

Researchers say they have shown that lycopene improves the function of blood vessels in cardiovascular disease patients.

Tomatoes Pack a Nutritional Punch

Tomatoes receive a lot of attention from nutritionists largely because of a phytonutrient called lycopene. Studies have long suggested that lycopene, which is contained in the red pigment, has antioxidant properties. Now growers are raising and marketing “high-lycopene” tomatoes. Indeed, a company based in Israel has developed a dried cherry tomato, which it is calling a “raisin tomato,” that contains almost 100 times the amount of lycopene in a regular cherry tomato.

Want Power? Fire Up the Tomatoes and Potatoes

Yet all those tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant—and, as it turns out, a powerful mediator for electrical charges. Researchers have found that tomato-based microbial fuel cells, which function by harnessing the electrons produced when bacteria break down organic matter, hold promise for generating power. Early research shows that 10 mg of tomato waste can generate 0.3 watts of power.

Which tomatoes are high in lycopene?

Lycopene is a potent antioxidant found in abundance in the bright red fruit of the humble tomato. Thought to be one of the key reasons that the Mediterranean diet is so healthy, it’s not only good for your body but great for your heart and gut too. Here are just some of the tomatoes that contain the highest levels of lycopene.

Why tinned tomatoes are good for you

The stalwart of sauces and stews is ripe with anti-cancer molecules and builds strong bones.