The tomato is the
edible, red fruit of Solanum lycopersicum, commonly known as a tomato
plant, which belongs to the nightshade family, Solanaceae.
This amazing fruit contains
lycopene, ascorbic acid and phenols.
Lycopene is the natural substance
(part of the carotenoid group) responsible for the deep red color in many
foods, most particularly in tomatoes. However, this fact is not what lycopene
is most famous for. Most people are familiar with lycopene because of the many
health benefits it provides such as a cancer fighting agent and a powerful
antioxidant.
How Lycopene Functions
Lycopene is allegedly a more
effective antioxidant than other of its carotenoid cousins which include
beta-carotene. Its powerful antioxidant actions are effective in maintaining
the strength, thickness and fluidity of cell membranes. Cell membranes are the
guardians of cells. They are responsible for screening what goes in and out of
cells. They allow good nutrients in and remove cellular junk and prevent toxins
from entering the cells. Strong healthy cell membranes are vital in the
prevention of many diseases.
Health Benefits
Lycopene is well known specifically
to help prevent many forms of cancer as well as the prevention and treatments
of many illnesses and diseases such as:
- Heart diseases- Lycopene stops LDL cholesterol from
being oxidized by free radicals and in turn cannot be deposited in the
plaques which narrows and hardens the arteries
- Infertility-Research suggests that lycopene may help in
the treatment of infertility. Results from tests showed that lycopene can
boost sperm concentration in men
- Helps prevent diabetes
- Prevents age-related macular degeneration and cataracts
- Prevents the aging of skin and keeps it younger looking
- Acts as an internal sunscreen and protects your skin
from sunburn
- Lycopene is also been known to help prevent
osteoporosis.
