Lycopene & Its Detox Properties

Lycopene is a carotene with powerful antioxidant properties that is provides tomatoes with their red color. It has anti-carcinogenic and anti-lipid peroxidation properties as well. Therefore, it has been encouraging to consume more tomatoes to reap the goodness and benefits installed within this phytochemical.

It inhibits Phase I of the liver detox process and also induces the Phase II enzymes. These two process helps prevent carinogenesis, the production of cancer cells, from occuring in our body. The ability to initiate Phase II enzymes speed up our body's ability to fight against free radicals and slow down the spreading of cancer cells.

In addition, it is shown that this antioxidant accumulates within the prostate. It is believed that the consumption of the supplement helps reduce the risk of prostate cancer. About 15mg of it twice daily reduced prostate-specific antigens by 18 percent. Another study put 21 men on 30mg of the supplement together with tomato-oil resin for 3 weeks and it resulted in lower grade prostate tumor.

Foods that are rich in this beneficial phytochemical are heat-processed tomato products. The reason is the process actually helps release more of the phytochemical from the plant's cell. Therefore, tomato sauce and tomato paste provides relatively higher amounts. Still, it is good to consume fresh organic tomatoes because they are cleared of preservatives and other chemicals. Other foods to consider are papaya, guava, and watermelon.

Types of Supplements for Detox:
Beta Carotene and Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Calcium Supplements
Folic Acid
Vitamin B Complexes
Selenium
Zinc

Return to Nutritional Supplements

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