What is the specific function of lycopene? Is it really as effective as it says? Talk about it

1. The role of lycopene in fading plaques and protecting beautiful skin. Research has found that when the skin is exposed to various radiations and ultraviolet rays, the lycopene in the skin is first destroyed and the concentration drops by 31~ 46. ??It can accelerate the oxidative aging of the skin and cause premature wrinkles and spots. Lycopene effectively blocks damage to the skin from external ultraviolet rays and radiation, reduces the occurrence of spots and black spots, and promotes the combination of collagen and elastin in the blood, improves symptoms such as dull complexion and chloasma, and makes the skin full of elasticity. , healthy and beautiful. 2. The role of lycopene in resisting oxidation and comprehensively delaying aging. Lycopene can effectively block lipid peroxidation in the body and enhance the activity of various antioxidant enzymes, thereby improving the body's antioxidant capacity and maintaining normal cell metabolism. , delaying the aging of the body. Scientists have found that the self-care and self-control abilities of the elderly are related to high levels of lycopene in the serum. The concentration of lycopene in the plasma of the elderly is significantly lower than that of middle-aged people, and decreases with age, while lycopene can Inhibits degenerative diseases caused by aging through antioxidant function. 3. The role of lycopene in regulating blood lipids and protecting cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems. In the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis, lipoprotein oxidation in the vascular intima is a key factor. Lycopene plays an important role in reducing lipoprotein oxidation. Case studies show that taking lycopene every day can significantly reduce the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and prevent the occurrence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in advance. 4. The role of lycopene in protecting "anterior glands" and improving fertility Lycopene can help prevent and improve urinary system diseases such as prostatic hyperplasia and prostatitis in advance, and can also help improve male sperm quality and reduce the risk of infertility. A study from Harvard University in the United States found that carotenoids are related to prostate disease. Among studies of carotenoids, only lycopene has a clear protective effect. Men who took lycopene in their diet every day were associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer compared with those who took the least amount of lycopene.21 5. Lycopene prevents the occurrence of tumors, cataracts, and macular degeneration in advance, protects mucosal tissue, improves immunity, and protects female breasts, uterus and other functions. Lycopene is a carotene and is the substance with the strongest antioxidant capacity currently known. The fruit and vegetable containing the most lycopene is of course tomatoes. Scientific research has found that lycopene can effectively prevent the occurrence of malignant tumors, prevent arteriosclerosis and coronary heart disease, and improve human immunity. It is also a good thing for delaying aging.

There are two types of ripe tomatoes, red and yellow, and their lycopene content is quite different: the content in red tomatoes is about 10 times that of yellow tomatoes. And the riper it is, the darker the color and the more lycopene it contains. Although yellow tomatoes are rare and attractive, ripe dark red tomatoes should be the first choice for health.

Nutritionists recommend that the daily intake of lycopene should be 5-10mg, and the lycopene content in every 100g of tomatoes is about 3.5-7.7mg, so eat 2-3 tomatoes every day It can meet the needs of normal people for lycopene.

In addition to tomatoes, red-flesh watermelons, carrots, apricots, etc. also contain relatively high amounts of lycopene. However, tomatoes, watermelons and apricots are more expensive this season, but carrots are widely available and affordable, so you might as well cook and eat them regularly.