Lycopene is one of over 600 known carotenoids (beta carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, etc.) that cause the colorings in many fruits and vegetables. Lycopene creates the color red.
It's the main antioxidant found in the prostate gland and is protective against colon cancer and colorectal cancer, plus it helps maintain bone density. It can also neutralize the destructive properties of free radicals and help keep cells healthy.
Though Lycopene can have very powerful antioxidant properties, it's been shown to be ineffective when taken in isolated form.(1) Like all carotenoids, and most other nutrients, lycopene is potent only when combined with the rest of its family.
Food Sources:
- tomatoes
- guava
- rosehips
- watermelon
- pink grapefruit
When supplementing, look for products with:
- the complete family of antioxidants
- a lipid-soluble base
- whole food ingredients
- naturally occurring in the human food chain
(1) Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Volume 95(21):1578-1586 (2003)
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