What is lycopene good for in women

No valid clinical evidence supports the use of lycopene for any of the conditions in this section. Below is a summary of up-to-date animal studies, cell-based research, or low-quality clinical trials which should spark further investigation. Eating tomatoes protected against digestive cancers stomach, colon, and throat in an observational study of almost 6, people [ 22 ].

In another study of over 7, women, high blood levels of lycopene were associated with lower rates of breast cancer. Other carotenoids like alpha- and beta-carotene lacked this benefit [ 23 ]. Dietary lycopene combined with other herbs such as ginkgo improved cognition in a study of elderly people. Another study paints a clearer picture: of healthy older people, those with higher blood levels of lycopene had better cognitive function [ 27 ].

In both cases, it worked by reducing oxidative damage in the brain [ 28 , 29 ]. In another rat study, lycopene improved depressive behavior by lowering brain inflammation. People with an age-related vision disease called macular degeneration have low lycopene levels. We know numerous other carotenoids improve eyesight; while lycopene may do the same, research is still lacking to support the claim [ 33 ].

In a clinical trial of patients, lycopene supplements reduced the symptoms of chronic pelvic pain syndrome [ 34 ]. It relieved diabetic nerve pain in rats and mice by reducing inflammatory compounds like TNF-alpha [ 35 , 36 ]. According to a study in 33 postmenopasual women, those with higher blood lycopene levels from dietary intake also had less oxidative bone damage. In a rat study, a lycopene-rich diet increased bone strength better than the typical diet.

Additionally, lycopene reduced bone cell death in test tubes [ 38 , 39 ]. The downsides to lycopene are negligible when consumed in moderate amounts. However, too much lycopene may pose certain health risks. Excess lycopene intake may cause lycopenodermia or lycopenemia, conditions in which lycopene literally starts turning your skin red like a tomato.

It may also cause digestive upset and pain. According to clinical reports, you would need to ingest a lot of tomatoes regularly to trigger it e. Anecdotally, excessive lycopene intake causes a number of stomach issues including diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, gas and even vomiting.

However, many of these side effects may be from other plant compounds in lycopene-rich foods that trigger gut reactions in sensitive people. Children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding women should avoid lycopene supplements due to the lack of safety data. Eating moderate amounts of lycopene-rich foods is safe. In fact, increased lycopene intake may protect women against high blood pressure in pregnancy preeclampsia [ 49 ]. Lycopene supplements have not been approved by the FDA for medical use.

Speak with your doctor before supplementing. The below doses may not apply to you personally. Lycopene has some serious antioxidant properties.

If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider. The articles on Health Guide are underpinned by peer-reviewed research and information drawn from medical societies and governmental agencies. However, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Plants care about their health, too. In fact, they produce phytonutrients, also called phytochemicals, as a way to stay healthy. Some of these plant nutrients protect it from bugs, and others protect against disease. But many of them also benefit the health of humans who eat those plants.

Lycopene is one of those phytochemicals. This natural pigment and antioxidant gives some fruits and veggies their signature pink or red color—and also has many potential health benefits for humans. You probably associate lycopene with tomatoes.

And even some foods that we now watch for their sugar content, like ketchup and tomato sauce, boast exceedingly high lycopene content. Other pink and red produce, such as watermelon and pink grapefruit are rich sources. But not every piece of scarlet produce has lycopene. There are constantly many chemical reactions going on inside of cells.

Some of these chemical reactions create byproducts known as free radicals. Free radicals are unstable atoms that can cause damage to cells, which is known as oxidative damage.

Essentially, antioxidants like lycopene and free radicals need to be balanced to prevent health problems caused by having too much of either.

Roman Daily—Multivitamin for Men. Our team of in-house doctors created Roman Daily to target common nutrition gaps in men with scientifically backed ingredients and dosages. Others make pumpkins bright orange or corn golden yellow. Beta-carotene is another well-known plant pigment that gives carrots their yellow-orange color and also benefits human health.

As we outlined above, oxidative damage to cells has been linked to a wide range of chronic diseases. No other micronutrient was significantly associated with the same risk. A low-salt diet is recommended for women with a risk of hypertension, a major risk factor for kidney cancer.

There are other steps women can take now for their health, including eating more foods and fruits with naturally-occurring lycopene. Good sources of lycopene include tomatoes and tomato-based products, watermelon, pink grapefruit, guava, and papaya. Bock suggests consulting a doctor before taking a lycopene supplement.

Department of Health and Human Services.