Lycopene: protects against UV light on the skin;support normal cholesterol levels

Lycopene, a carotenoid in the same phytochemical family as beta-carotene, gives tomatoes, tomato products, pink grapefruit, watermelon and guava their red color.

Lycopene is a carotenoid that does not have pro-vitamin A activity.

Lycopene is much more then a pigment – it is also a powerful antioxidant that helps to defend the body against free radical damage.

The antioxidant properties of lycopene are thought to be primarily responsible for its beneficial properties.

However, there is evidence to suggest that other mechanisms such as enhancement of hormonal and immune systems are also at work.

Lycopene distributes to tissues differently than other carotenes and these differences are thought to be physiologically important.

Among the carotenoids, lycopene is a major carotene in the blood and other tissues.

It is abundant in the skin and prostate gland.

There is also evidence that lycopene accumulates in the pancreas, colon, lung, breast, and cervix.

Scientists believe that lycopene may get to those tissues where, due to it’s unique chemical structure, it can protect these sensitive tissues from the damaging effect of free radicals.

A widely publicized Harvard study suggested that lycopene plays an important role in the health of the prostate.

In this large study, lycopene levels were significantly higher in those with healthy prostates.

In 1996, Harvard School of Public Health declared that diets rich in tomato products appeared to support the health of the prostate because of the high lycopene content in tomatoes.

In the study, 47,894 male health care professionals were followed for six years.

When researchers analyzed the dietary intake of fruits and vegetables by the total study population, they found that diets rich in tomatoes and tomato products were associated with healthy prostates when compared to those with low dietary intake.

Lycopene also appears to help protect against cellular damage and support normal cellular growth.

A recent study examined the role of lycopene in protection from ultra-violet (UV) radiation.

Exposure to ultra-violet light by human skin has both short and long-term effects.

In the short term, tanning or sunburn occur, while in the long term skin wrinkling, aging and other skin problems can occur.

Scientific research now indicates that lycopene may be a very important protection against UV light on the skin.

Another benefit of lycopene-rich diets is for heart health.

There are several possible mechanisms for this.

LDL cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol ) can become oxidized.

This results in an enhanced rate of uptake by cells of the arterial wall leading to cholesterol accumulation in the arteries.

As an antioxidant, lycopene reduces oxidation and helps keep blood flowing normally.

Lycopene also helps support normal cholesterol levels in the blood by inhibiting one of the key enzymes in the body that leads to the manufacture of cholesterol.

Symmetry Products with Lycopene: NutraPack, Mega Juice, Male Balance, Premium Plus, Ultra Vitality, Future Star

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The statements on this web page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Symmetry products are not meant to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. In all matters related to your health please contact a qualified, licensed health practitioner.