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LYCOPENE RANKED AS TOP ANTIOXIDANT

Lycopene is a carotenoid found in our body’s blood, skin, liver, adrenal glands, lungs, prostate and colon. Lycopene is also known to have anti-proliferative properties that reduce cell mutation and cellular degeneration.

Various studies reveal this powerful red carotenoid from tomatoes and other foods containing lycopene may reduce risks of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and macular degeneration. Like other antioxidants, lycopene consumes harmful free radicals in the body that cause blood clotting, premature aging, and certain cancers.

Reduce Heart Stroke

A recent 12-year study of 1,000 men indicated that men with the higher lycopene levels were less than half as likely to have a stroke as those with the lowest levels. This study has prompted many cardiologists to recommend to their patients to eat certain vegetables that contain high levels of antioxidants, particularly tomatoes and tomato-based products.

Benefits of Lycopene

Other research suggests potential benefits to a diet rich in lycopene are:

• Reduced inflammation, which is linked to coronary heart disease
• Reduced cholesterol build up in arteries
• Improved immune function
• Reduces platelets from clumping together and causing clots
• Reduced progression of prostate cancer
• Reduces macular degeneration and cataract eye disorders
• Increases sun protection to harmful UV rays
• Reduces male infertility

Consuming lycopene in combination with other carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, vitamins C and E, selenium, and proanthocyanidins, is strongly recommended for a long healthy life. While there is no proven medicinal dosage of lycopene or lycopene-rich vegetables, a common dosing range is 2-30 milligrams of lycopene taken daily.

If you do not eat enough tomato based foods there are many great lycopene supplements that provide a daily dose in one small gel capsule. So be good to your heart and eat more veggies and take a good regiment of supplements to make you feel better and enjoy a healthy long life.