Antioxidant properties
Lycopene is one of the most potent plant-derived antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables. Tomatoes are rich source of it. It can help protect DNA, proteins, and lipids from oxidation and promotes cellular resilience and longevity by scavenging free radicals—thus, promoting redox balance.Antioxidants help balance oxidative stress activity, creating cellular harmony in the body.
Heart-health benefits
Consuming tomatoes and tomato products has yielded cardioprotective benefits, specifically, improving LDL-cholesterol, cytokine, and blood flow, while lycopene supplementation has been shown to promote a healthy systolic blood pressure.
Skin benefits
At some point, you've probably been told to use a topical vitamin C or antioxidant serum on your skin to slow down natural aging and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. As it turns out, researchers have found that lycopene and beta-carotene are the main carotenoids (aka antioxidants) found in both skin and plasma, which explains why they're often used in skin care products.
If you're wondering if loading up on tomatoes during summertime is a natural replacement for sunblock, it's important to note that lycopene offers minimal sun protection
Eye health benefits
You've probably heard that carrots are good for your eyes at some point. As it turns out, beta-carotene doesn't have a monopoly on that health benefit, and there's another carotenoid in town. Yes, lycopene (and lutein and zeaxanthin) promotes eye health and visual acuity.
Remember, lycopene has anti-inflammatory properties and reduces oxidative stress, which both contribute to the health and function of our eyes. Additionally, lycopene has been shown to support vision in aging adults—so you can add this carotenoid to your longevity toolbox.
Brain health benefits
Evidence shows that lycopene and other carotenoids play supporting roles in brain health and neuroprotection.* Research indicates that lycopene can promote cognition and memory, largely due to its antioxidant properties and ability to reduce oxidative stress in tissue.* Its neuroprotective effects also include helping to balance levels of cytokines (proteins that signal the immune system).*
Higher dietary intake of lycopene is associated with cognitive health maintenance while aging, and many studies demonstrate this phytonutrient helps balance oxidative stress as we age as well
Bone health :-
Nutritional studies show diets high in fruits and vegetables—particularly antioxidant-rich produce—have a positive effect on bone mineral status. Specific studies on lycopene reveal that increased lycopene intake results in increased total-body bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD)—two imaging measures of bone health.
Stay healthy , stay blessed . . .
