The main effects and functions of lycopene

I heard that lycopene has many functions. Here are some of the functions of lycopene:

Anti-aging, improve immunity

Lycopene's strong antioxidant effect helps reduce UV damage to the skin and improve skin aging and age spots. In addition, lycopene also helps improve immunity. According to research reports, taking 15 mg of lycopene per day can increase the activity of natural killer cells within 12 weeks, thereby enhancing the function of the immune system.

Inhibit cancer cell growth

Tomatoes and blood lycopene levels can reduce the incidence of cancer. Several studies have shown that lycopene can inhibit the growth of cancer cells including breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, gastric cancer and endothelial tissue cancer; women with higher levels of lycopene in their serum have a lower risk of cervical cancer.

Protect cardiovascular system

Lycopene can inhibit the formation of arteriosclerosis and improve cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and coronary heart disease. Lycopene can prevent the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in the blood, thus reducing the risk of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. According to research reports from 10 European countries, some scholars have concluded that eating tomato products containing at least 40 mg of lycopene every day can significantly reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

Protect the prostate

In men, lycopene is mainly distributed in tissues such as the testicles, prostate space, adrenal glands, and liver. It can help prevent and improve urinary system diseases such as prostate hyperplasia and prostatitis, and help improve male sperm quality and reduce the risk of infertility.

Scientific fun fact: Men should eat more tomatoes and their products

A study from Harvard University in the United States found that carotenoids have a certain relationship with prostate cancer. Among the studies on carotenoids, only lycopene has a clear protective effect. Men who take the highest dose of lycopene in their diet every day (more than 6.5 mg per day) can reduce the risk of prostate cancer by 21% compared with those who take the least. Men should really eat more tomatoes or tomato sauce.

Prevent or improve cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.

Cataracts and age-related macular degeneration are common eye diseases among the elderly. According to Marius Palman from the University of Wisconsin, people with low blood lycopene levels have a higher risk of developing cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.