Lycopene is a carotenoid that is present in such organs of the body as the liver, lungs and skin. It’s an antioxidant which means that it protects the body from harmful oxidation within the system.

There are a number of stated uses for lycopene in medical situations, although the Mayo Clinic in the US remains unconvinced of the legitimacy. It had been thought that lycopene was a good treatment towards curing cancers such as prostrate cancer, but recent results have shown that despite Harvard Medical Schools research findings to the contrary, this may not be as conclusive as had been first thought. It does seem to be helpful in improving conditions such as diabetes and osteoporosis however.

Although there’s no current test available to check if your lycopene levels are low, it is possible to increase them to see if you feel any added benefit. You can find this is in the red to yellow skin of fruit and vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, guavas and rosehips.

Despite the fact that there is a mixed official ruling as to the health benefits of lycopene, the nutritional value of eating these fruits and vegetables shouldn’t be discounted. Meanwhile the medical profession continues to research what could be one of the most natural forms of health cures available. Perhaps one day some form of lycopene could be as common and useful to doctors as penicillin is today – but unlike penicillin, it’s something that everyone could eat to prevent illness rather than only used in the cure of a condition you already have.

Tags: Healthy Eating //