Lycopene
UNDER CONSTRUCTIONLycopene is a carotenoid (plant pigment) which gives tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables their red color, as well as other colors like yellow and orange. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant, helping to combat toxic free radicals that can lead to a variety of illnesses. Supplementing with lycopene may be beneficial for the treatment of ailments such as:
- Macular degenerative disease
- Age-related illnesses that can lead to blindness
- Lowering cholesterol
- Boosting immune function
- Treatment and prevention of some cancers
The most abundant sources of lycopene in the typical American diet come from processed tomato products such as ketchup, pizza sauce and spaghetti sauce. Unfortunately, these sources are often accompanied by unhealthy food choices, making supplemental lycopene is an ideal source of this powerful nutrient.
There is no recommended daily dose of lycopene, though the typical amount is 10mg to 30mg twice per day with meals.