Lycopene-The Little Red Antioxidant that Could

Lycopene is a cartenoid, or pigment, found in some vegetables and fruits. The red pigments found in tomatoes, watermelon, red grapefruit, papaya and pink guava are examples of lycopene. The cartenoid pigments help plants protect themselves against the damage caused by oxygenation and light. Lycopene is a close chemical relative to beta carotene. Since lycopenes occur in common vegetables and fruits, they can be found worldwide. Unlike most other natural compounds, lycopenes are more useful in processed foods than raw, especially in tomato products.

Cooking tomatoes in olive oil further enhances the absorption of lycopene in the body. Lycopene has been shown to provide significant protection against several forms of cancer, most notably prostate cancer. Studies have shown a 30-40% reduction in the spread of prostate cancer with the use of lycopene, and this benefit is magnified when combined with the use of vitamin E. Lycopene is a strong antioxidant that restricts the growth of cancer cells. In the prostate, it seems to keep the inflammatory hormones associated with the cancer from migrating outside of the organ to the rest of the body. Although still being studied, similar effects are expected in the lungs and stomach.

Lycopene may also aid in the actions of the immune system and prevent cardiovascular disease, and atherosclerosis. One study found that men who had a higher level of lycopene in their body fat were 50% less likely to have a heart attack. It neutralized the effect of free radicals on the cells of the body. Some reduction of LDL and total cholesterol is attributed to lycopene. It has also been used with great success in the treatment of exercise induced asthma.

There are very few risks and side effects attributed to lycopene, but use by pregnant and nursing women is discouraged. Additionally, overuse may negate some of the cancer protection provided by lycopene, so daily use should be limited to 20-40 mg/day. Most of this amount can be obtained from tomato products in the diet.

Recommended Lycopene Supplement

We have stumbled upon a company that produces a product that provides the highest quality of Lycopene is Xtend-Life Natural Products from New Zealand. Xtend-Life has one of the strictest regulatory environments in the world for the manufacture of dietary supplements, far exceeding U.S. FDA standards.

Their flagship product, Total Balance, contains standardized Lycopene, along with many other potent herbal supplement extracts, numerous vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other speciality nutrients, many of which are documented in this site.

We here at www.InstantHealthSecret.com personally take Xtend-Life's Total Balance as the foundation of our own health regimen and have achieved excellent results: we have noticed an increase in energy, mental acuity, and general sense of well-being.