Lycopene - Uses, Side Effects and Information

Might Lower Heart Disease Risk

A lower risk of heart disease is linked to lycopene.

Over the course of an 11-year period, one large study that examined the diets of over 1,000 adults discovered that those who consumed the most lycopene-rich foods had a significantly lower risk of dying from heart disease.

A different study looked at how lycopene supplements affected heart disease risk factors. Participants who took lycopene experienced less inflammation and oxidized LDL cholesterol after eight weeks, both of which are associated with a higher risk of developing heart disease.

May Reduce Cancer Risk

Prostate, breast, endometrial (uterine), lung, and stomach cancers are among the cancers for which lycopene has been linked to a lower risk.

Lycopene may aid in the prevention of various cancers, according to a comprehensive review of more than 100 studies.

Could Reduce Blood Pressure

A small study involving 36 adults found that lycopene may help people with high blood pressure lower their blood pressure. Those taking lycopene had significantly lower blood pressure than the control group after eight weeks.

Might offer protection from sun damage

Your skin may benefit from lycopene's ability to prevent sun damage. One study found that those who consumed lycopene supplements for 12 weeks had better skin protection from the sun's UV rays.

Possibly Raises Cholesterol Levels

Lycopene might help lower cholesterol.

Twenty adults participated in a small study that found that those who took lycopene supplements for eight weeks had significantly lower levels of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol than the control group.

Could Improve Bone Health

The health of bones may also be influenced by lycopene. According to one study, rats given lycopene supplements had stronger and denser bones than the rats in the control group.

Possibly Treat Asthma

Asthma treatment may be aided by lycopene. In one study, lycopene supplement-taking children with asthma had significantly fewer asthma symptoms than the control group after three months.

Could Provide Additional Benefits

Other potential advantages of lycopene include lowering the risk of macular degeneration, a common cause of blindness, and enhancing memory and cognitive abilities.