Description:

Lycopene is an antioxidant that belongs to the carotenoid group. It’s found in high amounts in red and pink fruits, as well as dietary supplements.

Lycopene has shown blood pressure-lowering effects and diets rich in lycopene have been associated with lower risk of some types of cancer. It may also have benefits for skin protection.

Functions: 

Lycopene’s primary role in human health is as an antioxidant. Antioxidants neutralize the activity of reactive compounds called free radicals, which create oxidative stress within our body. Sometimes oxidative stress can be beneficial for our body (like when we need to repair damaged tissues or fight against cancer cells), but when the amount and activity of free radicals overwhelms the protective effects of antioxidants, this uncontrolled oxidative stress can be associated with developing chronic diseases like certain types of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Lycopene’s antioxidant properties help to maintain the balance of free radical activity in the body, which may be protective against some of these conditions.