Lycopene is a carotenoid and a red coloring pigment found in plant foods:
1. Basic Properties
Molecular formula: C40H56
Relative molecular mass: 536.85
Physical state: deep red needle-like crystals
Solubility: soluble in chloroform, benzene and oil, insoluble in water. Unstable to light and oxygen, turn brown when meet iron.
Chemical structure: There are 11 conjugated double bonds and 2 non-conjugated double bonds on the molecular structure, composed of a straight chain hydrocarbon.
2. Existence and source
Lycopene is widely found in tomatoes, tomato products and watermelon, grapefruit, carrots, papaya, guava and other fruits, and is the main pigment in ripe tomatoes and one of the common carotenoids. The human body cannot synthesize lycopene on its own and must consume it through the diet. However, since lycopene is fat-soluble and insoluble in water, fresh tomatoes or generally processed tomato products are difficult to be digested and absorbed in the human body. Therefore, only lycopene foods processed through bioengineering can be easily absorbed by the body through the intestinal lipidation process.
3. Physiological functions and health effects
Antioxidant effect: Lycopene is one of the strongest antioxidants in nature, which can efficiently remove free radicals in the body, such as mono-linear oxygen and hydrogen peroxide, etc., to protect cells from oxidative damage and slow down the aging process of the human body.
Protection of cardiovascular: Lycopene can reduce the oxidation of LDL cholesterol in the blood, reduce the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, regulate the function of vascular endothelial cells, so that blood vessels to maintain the elasticity, reduce blood pressure, improve the fluidity of the blood, reduce the risk of thrombosis, on the prevention of coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction and other cardiovascular diseases have a certain auxiliary effect.
Skin protection: Lycopene can absorb ultraviolet rays and reduce the damage of ultraviolet rays on the skin, such as preventing sunburn, tanning and photoaging. At the same time, the antioxidant properties of lycopene can protect collagen and elastin fibers in the skin cells, maintaining the elasticity and firmness of the skin and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
Improve male reproductive health: Lycopene can improve sperm quality and vitality, and reduce sperm DNA damage. In the treatment of male infertility, lycopene may be an adjunctive treatment. In addition, it can reduce the symptoms of prostatitis and improve prostate function.
Regulation of blood lipids: Lycopene has a regulatory effect on blood lipids and helps maintain stable blood lipid levels.
Protection of eyesight: lycopene as a carotenoid, has a certain role in the protection of eyesight.
Anti alcohol and liver protection: taking lycopene can reduce the damage of alcohol on the liver, relieve dizziness, vomiting and other adverse conditions that occur after drunkenness.
4. Application
Food processing: In food processing, lycopene can be used as a pigment to add bright red color to food.
Health care products: Due to its powerful antioxidant and health care functions, lycopene is often used as a raw material for antioxidant health food.
5. Precautions
Lycopene is fat-soluble and is recommended to be taken within half an hour after meals to improve its bioavailability.
Unripe green tomatoes contain high levels of lycopene, which may lead to symptoms of toxicity, such as nausea, vomiting and stomach pain, and should therefore be avoided.
Avoid direct contact of lycopene with iron and copper ions, and use stainless steel or glass containers rather than iron or copper utensils for cooking and storage.