Lycopene is one of the most potent antioxidants among carotenoids, it is a tetraterpene compound, a non-provitamin A that is abundantly found in tomato and tomato-based products. Lycopene is a lipophilic, unsaturated hydrocarbon that is composed entirely of hydrogen and carbon with the chemical formula C₄₀H_56. Lycopene is a much potent antioxidant than alpha-tocopherol (10x more potent), or beta carotene (twice as potent). Studies have revealed regular consumption of lycopene to be beneficial for the heart, eyes, bones, skin, and cognitive health.

 

WHAT IS THE NEED FOR SUPPLEMENTING WITH LYCOPENE?

Lycopene (carotenoids) cannot be synthesized endogenously by the body. As such, our body is totally dependent on dietary sourced carotenoids. Lycopene bioavailability decreases by aging and some of the pathological states, such as cardiovascular diseases. Lycopene supplementation gives you the best advantage of the single nutrient and has been suggested to increase its circulating serum levels.

 

HOW TO CONSUME LYCOPENE SUPPLEMENTS?     

Lycopene is not water-soluble, it is a lipid-soluble compound, hence it is suggested that consuming it with fat (oil) increases its bioavailability. Intestinal absorption of lycopene supplement is enhanced when consumed with meals to aim for better assimilation of the nutrient.

 

ZENITH NUTRITION LYCOPENE

Zenith Nutrition Lycopene is a vegetarian dietary supplement that is manufactured in a GMP-certified unit and has gone through extensive testing for purity and potency. Each capsule provides 1000mcg of lycopene and is free of sugar, preservatives, corn, soy, dairy, yeast, and gluten.

 

LYCOPENE IS A POWERFUL ANTIOXIDANT

Free radicals are believed to be the source of aging and the cause of a number of degenerative diseases. The imbalance between free radicals and antioxidant defense may cause damage to DNA, lipids, and proteins, and lead to oxidative stress which may cause the generation of diseases. The efficacy of lycopene is much higher than that of other lipophilic antioxidants, its antioxidant activity has been suggested for its potential health benefits. Lycopene is effective at scavenging reactive oxygen species singlet oxygen. Lycopene is found to remove singlet oxygen two and ten times more than beta-carotene and alpha-tocopherol, respectively. Lycopene can act on other free radicals such as hydrogen peroxide, nitrogen dioxide, and hydroxyl radicals, it protects biological membranes against oxidative damage.

 

LYCOPENE STRENGTHENS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

Exposure to environmental perils, such as smoking, pollution, sun radiation, or other toxins can lead to increased oxidative stress beyond a level at which the immune system can mount a defense. Providing the body with antioxidant sources will strengthen the immune system. Effective immunity protects and shields against pathogens, enables wound healing and tissue repair. It has been shown that lycopene reduces oxidative stress by stimulating the levels and activities of antioxidant enzymes including glutathione, glutathione-S-transferases, and glutathione peroxidase. Lycopene promotes T-lymphocyte proliferation and secretion of immunoreactive cytokines, enhances the functioning of phagocytes, and natural killer cells. It is suggested to inhibit ROS production and decrease the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK).

 

LYCOPENE HELPS MAINTAIN STRONG BONES

Bones don’t just support and protect the soft tissues and organs of our body, they also store minerals, produce red and white blood cells, are composed of several types of cells and are constantly being remodeled. Research studies have indicated that oxidative status can influence the pathophysiology of bones, including osteoporosis. The functional bone mass is controlled by a balance between bone resorption and bone formation. Lycopene with its higher antioxidant capacity can reduce the oxidative stress caused by exercise or physical activity. Lycopene supplementation can effectively prevent bone loss, osteoporosis and maintain bone mineral status, especially in elderly people and postmenopausal women. Lycopene has molecular and cellular effects on osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Lycopene supports bone-forming cells called osteoblasts while attenuating the development and resorbing activity of bone destroying cells called osteoclasts.

 

LYCOPENE SUPPORTS HEART HEALTH

Oxidative stress causes endothelial dysfunction due to uncoupling of nitric oxide synthase, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Lycopene is a cardio-protective neutraceutical whose main activity profile for preventing cardiovascular risk includes antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, protective endothelial effects, the ability to improve the metabolic effect, reduce arterial stiffness. Lycopene modulates the production of antioxidant enzymes, and the activity of low-density lipoprotein. Lycopene increases the bioavailability of nitric oxide, improves endothelial vasodilation, inhibits platelet functions, reduces smooth muscle cell proliferation. Lycopene has been shown by studies to improve LDL/HDL ratio, HDL functionality can lower the dysfunctional HDL. Lycopene has antihypertensive effects and can also protect against cardiotoxicity induced by several drugs.

 

LYCOPENE PROMOTES SKIN HEALTH

Increasing dietary levels of lycopene through daily supplementation is an easy way to ensure the continued presence of high skin levels of the protective antioxidant. With its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, lycopene can protect the skin from environmental agents that can contribute to aging, dryness, roughness, clogged pores, and breakouts. Lycopene has photoprotective action against UV-induced damage to the skin, enhances skin resilience, may strengthen the skin by inhibiting the activity of enzymes involved in the destruction and breakdown of collagen. Lycopene has the ability to enhance the connectivity between cells, it down-regulates collagenase, improves skin texture by aiding cellular functions that are essential to keeping your skin looking young. Lycopene prevents the loss of integrity of skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

 

LYCOPENE IS LINKED WITH PROSTATE HEALTH

The prostate is a potential source of serious disorders affecting health and quality of life in older men. Prostate disorders may include inflammation, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and prostate cancer. Endogenous production of reactive oxygen species may lead to oxidative DNA damage if left unrepaired. Lycopene has been identified by studies as an antioxidant agent with potential anticancer properties. Higher circulating lycopene levels are found to significantly reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Lycopene not only enhances the antioxidant response of prostate cells but is able to inhibit proliferation, decrease inflammatory markers, modulate androgen metabolism, induce apoptosis, and support prostate health.

 

LYCOPENE SUPPORTS EYE HEALTH

Macular degenerative disease onsets with the thinning of the macula layer of the retina which could result in a gradual decrease in vision. Poor antioxidant defense is attributed to poor vision and the development of cataracts. Lycopene is found to protect against cataract development by virtue of its antioxidant properties. Lycopene can function as a chain-breaking antioxidant, it can effectively prevent sugar-induced morphological changes and modulates the antioxidant status of human lens epithelial cells. Research studies have found that people with low lycopene levels are almost twice as likely to develop age-related macular degeneration compared to people with high levels. Lycopene may prevent or delay the formation of cataracts and reduce your risk of macular degeneration.

 

Reference:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5974099/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7464847/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4616444/