To investigate the benefits of lycopene for a variety of health problems, researchers often ask people about their intake of tomato consumption. This is to estimate the level of lycopene in their body. As you know, lycopene is a carotenoid that gives a reddish color to fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes and watermelon. In the human body, lycopene is found in the skin, lungs, liver, prostate, colon, and adrenal glands.
Until now, the benefits of foods containing lycopene, such as tomatoes, are controversial and require more research. And because tomatoes contain a lot of nutrients such as vitamin C, folate, and potassium, so many researchers were unable to conclude if only lycopene which gives real benefits of eating tomatoes. Quite a lot of research on the same topic which give conflicting results.
Antioxidants and Cancer Prevention Effects
Although not all studies have shown that lycopene acts as an antioxidant in the human body, but some studies actually show different results. Lycopene is an antioxidant that is similar to other carotenoids. However, because of the absence of an agreement, then more research is needed before making conclusions.
On the other hand, research has studied the relationship between the increase in the body's intake of lycopene / tomato intake and breast cancer. However, these studies are not very clear, whether lycopene actually affect your chances of avoiding breast cancer. Several studies have also shown conflicting results on the benefits of lycopene to prevent prostate cancer and cervical cancer. But in spite of all the above studies, a diet rich in lycopene, such as tomatoes, seems to lower your risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Other Benefits of Lycopene
Some studies show if lycopene has any effect on coronary artery disease. The studies are reported if the consumption of lycopene can help people with high cholesterol or hardening of the arteries. For other cases, lycopene is used to prevent benign prostatic hyperplasia. Research has proven if regular consumption of lycopene can avoid prostate enlargement. Those who have BPH is to be at high risk of prostate cancer.
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