Lycopene is a red carotenoid pigment that gives tomatoes, watermelons, and pink grapefruit their characteristic color. There are over 2,000 peer-reviewed studies dedicated to lycopene, making it one of the most studied plant chemicals. Even though its health-promoting effects are diverse, lycopene specifically fortifies male reproductive health in unique ways. It also supports cardiovascular health and helps reduce plaque from forming in arteries.*
Lycopene is a red carotenoid pigment that gives tomatoes, watermelons, and pink grapefruit their characteristic color. There are over 2,000 peer-reviewed studies dedicated to lycopene, making it one of the most studied plant chemicals. Even though its health-promoting effects are diverse, lycopene specifically fortifies male reproductive health in unique ways. It also supports cardiovascular health and helps reduce plaque from forming in arteries.*
Lycopene is a red plant pigment (a carotenoid) most famously found in tomatoes but also occurs in watermelon, pink grapefruit, and papaya.
Interest in lycopene has grown exponentially because of its role in prostate support and sexual health.
Lycopene is, of course, a hugely powerful antioxidant, which explains a lot of its beneficial effects. It's also a potent inflammation-support agent, promotes healthy arteries, exhibits strong immunity support, and has significant abilities to modulate phase I and phase II enzymes protecting cells and tissues in general.
Tomatoes contain relatively large amounts of lycopene (roughly 31 micrograms per gram). However, getting adequate or beneficial amounts of lycopene isn't as easy as eating a tomato daily.
The frustrating thing is that the lycopene molecules in a fresh tomato are all in the poorly absorbed trans configuration. You can convert lycopene to its easily absorbed cis isomer by processing the tomatoes with heat or pureeing them.
While eating tomato paste or stewed tomatoes is, in theory, a much more viable way to get adequate amounts of lycopene, it's still problematic due to the tomato variability.
Then there's the issue of dosage. Estimates of how much we need for optimal health run to 25 milligrams a day, making it extremely difficult to get that much from natural sources.
That leaves taking lycopene as a standardized supplement as the best viable option.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
