Lycopene is a red pigment component contained in a group of naturally occurring pigments called carotenoids (carotenoids) found in vegetables and fruits such as tomatoes, watermelon and pink grapefruit. The carotenoid (carotenoid) pigments to which lycopene belongs are thought to have antioxidant properties, with lycopene being a strong antioxidant. Lycopene has more than twice the antioxidant effect of beta-carotene and 100 times the antioxidant effect of vitamin E. Lycopene is also known to have a strong antioxidant effect. Due to this antioxidant effect, lycopene is effective in preventing various diseases.
Improves circulation
Lycopene prevents the formation of blood clots by inhibiting the oxidation of bad cholesterol. Blood in our veins is what helps transport all kinds of nutrients and oxygen, which help cells throughout the body to remain active, and if the circulation is blocked, it can lead to a decrease in immunity and cause all kinds of diseases.
The classic symptom of poor circulation is blood clots. The formation of blood clots is caused by a large amount of fat and oxidative deposits inside the blood vessels, the most typical is the oxidation of cholesterol to form blood clots blocking the blood vessels. However, lycopene has good antioxidant properties. Lycopene can prevent cholesterol from oxidizing in the bloodstream, avoiding deposits and thus maintaining blood circulation. Good antioxidant properties can also keep the body young.
Preventing and improving chronic diseases
The antioxidant properties of lycopene are also effective in preventing chronic diseases. The causes of chronic diseases are closely related to poor lifestyle habits, such as atherosclerosis, hypertension and diabetes, many of which are caused by a lack of attention to antioxidants, leading to a transition of free radicals in the body.
Atherosclerosis and hypertension are disease states caused by abnormalities in the blood and blood vessels, and a large part of the cause of these diseases is the increase in reactive oxygen species that precipitate bad cholesterol in the blood vessels. Excessive reactive oxygen species in the body can cause various dysfunctions of cells and organs, and lead to corresponding diseases. Lycopene can improve this situation by synthesizing the excess of reactive oxygen species in our body.
Prevention of obesity
Lycopene maintains the efficiency of circulation throughout the body, allowing all types of organs and cells to receive adequate nutrition. When cells and organs are well nourished, they maintain a good metabolism, which represents a person's ability to consume, and the higher the ability to consume, the more fat the body breaks down.
At the same time, lycopene also prevents the increase of fat cells, the fewer fat cells the body's ability to store fat is weaker.
Improves skin
Lycopene is also y involved in the creation and maintenance of beautiful skin. In addition to affecting blood vessels, free radicals in the body also alienate the body's collagen, which, once damaged by free radicals, can lead to sagging, spots, and wrinkles. Coupled with ultraviolet radiation will also promote the precipitation of melanin. So a proper intake of lycopene can keep the skin's antioxidant effect, maintain skin whitening health.
Protecting your eyesight
Lycopene and lutein are nutrients that prevent and improve vision. When diabetic retinopathy occurs, the concentration of lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin decreases, and appropriate supplementation of lycopene can inhibit this decline.