Lycopene

Introduction

Lycopene from the neo-Latin lycopersicum, the tomato species, is a bright red caroteneand carotenoid pigment and phytochemical found in tomatoes and other red fruits and vegetables, such as red carrots, watermelons, gac, and papayas, although not instrawberries, or cherries. Although lycopene is chemically a carotene, it has novitamin A activity. Foods that are not red may also contain lycopene, such asasparagus or parsley.

Benefits of Lycopene

Lycopene is something that is found in certain fruits and vegetables and the body uses it as an antioxidant. It is a great addition to any men's health regimen. But, there are also other lycopene benefits. Some of them have nothing to do with men's health. Here is a short list:

• Cancer, especially prostate cancer, mouth cancer, and others.
• Guards against aging of the skin.
• Helps with problems such as diabetes and cardiovascular system issues and disease.
• May prevent osteoporosis.
• Can assist with fertility problems in men.

Sources of Lycopene

You are probably wondering what foods contain lycopene. These foods deliver all the lycopene befits that exist. But in order to receive the benefits of it, you need to eat enough off the foods with lycopene to get the benefits. Here is a list of foods that have lycopene and the lycopene benefits:

• Tomatoes
• Grapefruits (pink)
• Watermelon
• Guava (pink)
• Rosehips (fruit from the rosebush)
• Papaya

Incorporate these into your diet whenever you can to get the positive benefits that lycopene has to offer.