Lycopene in Tomatoes protects against Cardio vascular diseases

According to a study made by scientists form Biotech firm Cambridge Theranostics that Lycopene a carotinoid antioxidant found in red tomato skin protects against cardiovascular diseases like heat attacks and stroke. They made a pill out Lycopene, Soya bean protein and milk. The pill taken regularly, prevent the formation of harmful fats in the blood and reduce the damage to the blood vessels thereby protecting against heart attacks and strokes. They announced that the pill will be released soon for clinical use and added that it is more powerful than statins.

Lycopene is also found in watermelons, papaya grapes and guavas. Tomato products like ketchup, sauce and tomato juice are rich sources of this carotinoid. Processed tomatoes contain more Lycopene than the fresh tomatoes since cooking results in the breakage of cell walls releasing the Lycopene and concentrating it.

Other uses of Lycopene:

• Lycopene is a powerful anti oxidant.
• Lycopene is used as a natural food colouring agent.
• Lycopene is also said to prevent some cancers particularly prostate cancer.
• Lycopene is said to prevent age related macular degeneration because of its anti oxidant properties.
• However these uses of Lycopene need further research before any recommendation to be made.

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