How does lycopene prevent cancer? Can lycopene fight cancer?

We all know that tomatoes have certain anti-cancer effects, so how does lycopene fight cancer?

First, through a series of biochemical reactions

Lycopene can promote the differentiation of cancer cells (transformation into a benign direction) and inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells.

Second, it can enhance the body's immune function.

Lycopene can promote the secretion of some cytokines that have anti-cancer and anti-cancer effects, such as interleukin-Ⅱ, and activate lymphocytes to dissolve cancer cells; the activated lymphocytes can also release cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor, which have a killing effect on tumor cells.

Third, lycopene has a strong antioxidant effect.

Cell aging, damage and DNA mutation are all related to the action of free radicals, and antioxidants (such as lycopene) effectively remove free radicals, thereby playing a role in systemic health care, including playing an important role in cancer prevention.

Epidemiological studies have shown that the plasma concentration of lycopene in the human body is closely related to the risk of certain cancers. For example, a large number of prospective population studies conducted in the United States found that lycopene and α-carotene can reduce the risk of lung cancer in non-smokers, but lycopene can reduce the risk of lung cancer in smokers. Therefore, for smokers, supplementing lycopene is of great significance in preventing cancer.

A large amount of lycopene is hidden in tomatoes. The lycopene content of tomatoes from different origins, seasons, varieties, and maturity varies greatly. Generally speaking, every 100 grams of fresh tomatoes (wet weight) contains 0.879 to 4.2 mg of lycopene, with an average of 2 to 3 mg. Normally, a normal person needs to consume 5 to 12 mg of lycopene per day, and only when the intake is about 20 to 30 mg can it play a role in preventing and treating diseases. If you only eat tomatoes, at least 0.48 to 3.75 kilograms are needed to achieve an effective anti-cancer effect. Therefore, taking preparations containing more lycopene appropriately can achieve the ideal anti-cancer effect. Readers need to be warned that lycopene is a fat-soluble substance, and it is best to take it with oily foods (such as after meals) to facilitate absorption.