Lycopene Plus 60 Caps

Lycopene is a nutritionally important carotenoid thatis present in selected red-colored fruits andvegetables, such as watermelon and tomato.Lycopene is an important antioxidant nutrient thatprotects healthy cells from oxidative and free radicaldamage. Free radicals are unstable chemicals formedin the body during metabolism and from exposure toenvironmental sources, such as pollution andcigarette smoke. Free radicals are not inherently bad(they are necessary for energy metabolism andimmune function), but when there is an excessivenumber of free radicals in the body, they can attackhealthy cells, especially their membrane lipids andproteins. This, in turn, is thought to contribute to anumber of degenerative diseases.Like beta-carotene, lycopene is an efficient quencherof a chemically reactive species of oxygen calledsinglet oxygen. Singlet oxygen participates inoxidative reactions which can impair or destroyimportant cellular parts, such as membranes, nucleicacids (DNA), and enzymes. In addition, singletoxygen reactions can generate free radicals whichlead to further damage. Studies show that lycopene’sability to quench singlet oxygen is equal or betterthan that of beta-carotene.Considerable evidence from many experimental andepidemiological studies suggest that lycopene plays amajor role in maintaining normal cellulardifferentiation and division. This benefit is attributedmainly to its potent antioxidant properties.Dietary lycopene is absorbed by the intestinal tractand distributed into most tissues. The highestconcentrations of lycopene have been measured intestes, liver and adrenal glands. Lycopene may alsoplay a special role in healthy prostate function.