What is lycopene found in

A study that combined the results of these RCTs concluded that there was not enough evidence to support the use of lycopene supplements to prevent prostate cancer. The men in the studies did not have improvement in primary outcomes incidence of prostate cancer and death from prostate cancer or in secondary outcomes like changes in prostate symptoms or changes in blood concentrations of prostate specific antigen PSA, a protein produced by the prostate gland that is often elevated in prostate cancer.

Some research suggests that any beneficial effects from lycopene might actually be related to other antioxidants in the natural diet. There is interest in the possible role of lycopene in helping prevent atherosclerosis hardening of the arteries that can lead to high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. Some studies have associated high lycopene blood concentrations with reduction of the incidence of cardiovascular disease. One study suggested that lower blood concentrations of lycopene were associated with early atherosclerosis in men.

However, study results are mixed and most studies did not examine taking lycopene alone. The body utilizes lycopene in supplements about as easily as that in food. Daily supplements of up to mg of lycopene have been taken safely for up to 1 year. Some people have developed allergic skin reactions such as rashes from lycopene. Lycopene is possibly unsafe when used during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

One study of a specific lycopene supplement LycoRed suggested that taking lycopene 2 mg daily starting at weeks of pregnancy and continuing until delivery might increase the rates of premature births and low birth weights. Lycopene has been linked to health benefits ranging from heart health to protection against sunburns and certain types of cancers.

When free radical levels outnumber antioxidant levels, they can create oxidative stress in your body. In addition, test-tube and animal studies show that lycopene may protect your body against damage caused by pesticides, herbicides, monosodium glutamate MSG and certain types of fungi 3 , 4 , 5 , 6.

Lycopene is a strong antioxidant that can protect your body against oxidative stress and offer some protection from certain environmental toxins and chronic diseases.

For instance, test-tube studies show that the nutrient may slow down the growth of breast and prostate cancers by limiting tumor growth 7 , 8. Animal studies further report that it may prevent the growth of cancer cells in the kidneys 9. A year study in more than 46, men looked at the link between lycopene and prostate cancer in more detail.

However, a recent review of 26 studies found more moderate results. Daily intakes of 9—21 mg per day appeared most beneficial Diets rich in the antioxidant lycopene may help prevent the development of prostate cancer. It may also protect against cancers of the lungs, breasts and kidneys, but more human-based research is needed to confirm this.

Lycopene may also help lower your risk of developing or prematurely dying from heart disease High blood levels of lycopene may also add years to the lives of people with metabolic syndrome — a combination of health conditions that can lead to heart disease.

This includes older adults and people who smoke or have diabetes or heart disease Lycopene also appears to offer some protection against the damaging effects of the sun 21 , In one small week study, participants were exposed to UV rays before and after consuming either 16 mg of lycopene from tomato paste or a placebo.

Participants in the tomato paste group had less severe skin reactions to the UV exposure Serum lycopene decreases the risk of stroke in men: a population-based follow-up study. An update on the health effects of tomato lycopene. Annu Rev Food Sci Technol. Arnold J. Watermelon packs a powerful lycopene punch. AgResearch Magazine. United States Department of Agriculture. June Rapid, accurate, and direct determination of total lycopene content in tomato paste. Review of Scientific Instruments.

Harvard Health Publishing. Lycopene-rich tomatoes linked to lower stroke risk. International Food Information Council Foundation. What is lycopene? Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Poison Control. Updated The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data.

We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Studies suggest that people who eat a lot of tomato products have a lower risk of cancer of the lungs, prostate, and stomach.

Lycopene may also help protect against cancers of the cervix, breast, pancreas, colon, and esophagus, but that has not been proven yet. But if you like tomatoes and don't have an allergy to them or other medical condition that prevents you from eating them, there's no downside to eating a diet full of tomatoes — so enjoy.

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