Lycopene

Phytochemical

The red pigment in tomatoes. No overall effect of supplementation on IGF-1 levels found in six studies.

Food Sources

Foods that contain Lycopene.

Tomatoes
Source: How Not to Age
Tomato Paste
Source: How Not to Age
Tomato
Source: How Not to Age
Tomato Juice (Salt-Free)
Tomato juice appears to be the one common juice that may actually be healthier than the whole fruit. Processing boosts availability of lycopene by as much as fivefold.
Source: How Not to Die
Watermelon
Lycopene found in red tomatoes, watermelon, grapefruit, guava
Source: Nutrition, Food and Diet in Ageing and Longevity

Health conditions that Lycopene may influence, based on research.

Gingivitis1 tomato/day equivalent
Double-blind RCT: amount of lycopene in 1 tomato/day (about 1 tablespoon tomato paste) significantly reduced gingivitis within 1 week; also improved gum bleeding in periodontitis | Lycopene improved gingivitis in an RCT and showed benefits as adjunctive treatment for chronic periodontitis
Source: How Not to Age

All-Cause Mortality
Tomato and lycopene consumption inversely associated with total and cause-specific mortality in population-based cohort study
Source: How Not to Age
Prostate cancer
Lycopene from tomatoes, watermelon, strawberry, pink guava supports prostate health
Source: Nutrition, Food and Diet in Ageing and Longevity
Cancer
Source: Young Forever

Osteoporosis
Lycopene supplementation decreases bone resorption marker in postmenopausal women
Source: How Not to Age
Skin Aging
Cutaneous lycopene concentration correlated with skin roughness
Source: How Not to Age
Depression
Among the carotenoids, lycopene (the red pigment in tomatoes) has the highest antioxidant activity and is associated with reduced depression odds.
Source: How Not to Die
Cardiovascular Disease
Lycopene has protective effect on cardiovascular system, positive effect on neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's
Source: Nutrition, Food and Diet in Ageing and Longevity
Neurodegenerative Disease
Lycopene has protective effect on cardiovascular system, positive effect on neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's
Source: Nutrition, Food and Diet in Ageing and Longevity
Parkinson's disease
Lycopene relieves oxidative stress, increases NADH dehydrogenase and SOD activity in the corpus striatum and lowers malondialdehyde levels
Source: Nutrition, Food and Diet in Ageing and Longevity
Alzheimer's disease
Lycopene can stop activities of secretases responsible for processing of amyloid precursor protein, leading to neuroprotection in Alzheimer's disease
Source: Nutrition, Food and Diet in Ageing and Longevity
Heart disease
lycopene, a carotenoid antioxidant that's known to help control cholesterol and protect against free radicals
Source: The Young Forever Cookbook

How Lycopene works at a cellular level.

PromotesLowers IGF-1
Tomato lycopene extract supplementation decreases IGF-1 levels in colon cancer patients
PromotesHormesis
Terpenoids including lycopene, lutein, and beta-carotene are hormetin molecules found in various foods (kale, spinach, asparagus, broccoli, pepper, lettuce, apricot) reported for effects on ageing and lifespan.
PromotesSuppresses NF-kB signaling that drives cancer growth
Lycopene suppresses LPS-induced NO and IL-6 production by suppressing ERK, p38MAPK, NF-kB, and HMGB1 activation
SupportsSupports Brain Health and Function
lycopene, a phytonutrient that helps support cognitive and heart health
PromotesLowers cholesterol
lycopene, a carotenoid antioxidant that's known to help control cholesterol
PromotesPrevents cancer cell growth
When cooked, tomatoes release higher amounts of lycopene, a cancer-fighting antioxidant

Recipes featuring foods that contain Lycopene.