Likopin is the secret of the beneficial properties of tomatoes: what is it, what is the body for?

Likopin: What is it?

Likopin -polyunsaturated hydrocarbon, a representative of a large (about 700 compounds) family of carotenoids-molecules with strong antioxidant activity (the most famous representatives of this group are beta-carotene, Luthein and Zeaxantin). However, the structure of lycopine is somewhat different from other carotenoids, and it is believed that this is the reason for its more powerful action.

Likopin - One of the 24 carotenoids found in human blood plasma (the rest are of plant origin). However, a person is not able to synthesize it on his own, so he should receive it from food.

The greatest concentration of this compound is contained in tomatoes (Lycopersicon Esculentum Mill.), As well as in watermelon, papaye, grapefruit, carrots, pumpkin and battles. Lycopine is responsible for the red color of this plant. Therefore, it is obvious that the red variety of tomatoes can contain it ten times more than the yellow variety.

Lycopine properties: why the body needs, the secret of the beneficial properties of tomatoes

As mentioned earlier, the properties of lycopine are determined by numerous double bonds contained in the hydrocarbon chain of this compound. This substance acts mainly due to the delay of free radicals and active forms of oxygen, thereby preventing oxidative stress.

Why the body needs lycopin? Here's an explanation:

• Free radicals are molecules with an unbelieving electron, which makes them highly reactive and capable of destroying any chemical structure that comes into contact with them (even DNA, which is additionally protected in the cage nucleus).
• Any change or damage to DNA threads causes mutations, which leads to the development of many diseases, among which all types of cancer are in the first place. That is why it is so important for the body to defend itself from these free radicals.
• This can be done using a number of antioxidants - compounds that destroy free radicals and reactive forms of oxygen, among which lycopines are one of the most powerful substances.

The secret of the beneficial properties of tomatoes is precisely the presence of lycopine in them, which prevents the development of a dangerous cancer. The properties of lycopine make it not only with an anti -cancer compound, but it is also useful for problems with blood circulation, significantly affects the degree of cholesterol, especially the harmful fraction of LDL.

Lycopin in tablets for men and women: Instructions

Lycopine, coming with a balanced food, is enough to meet the needs of a person, but not everyone adheres to proper nutrition. In this case, food additives with lycopine can be a good alternative. This substance is useful for both women and men. Here's the instruction:

For men:

• Reduces the degree of poor exposure to free radicals on the organs of the reproductive system and sperm.
• The main role of this substance in the male body is the protection of the prostate gland from destruction and rebirth.
• The use of lycopine prevents and slows down the development of benign prostate hyperplasia, and also significantly reduces the risk of prostate cancer.
• To do this, just eat 10 tomatoes per day. But this is impossible, therefore it is more advisable to use an accurate dosage of such a substance in tablets.

For women:

• Participates in antioxidant protection of breast tissues.
• Likopin protects against the development of cancer cells and benign tumors in the genitals of women and mammary glands.
• Such a substance is especially important for women aged 45, when the protective antioxidant system of the body begins to exhaust.

Basically, all drugs with lycopine are taken once a day during meals, as these are food additives. The course of treatment is 3-4 weeks. Then the intake of the drug can be repeated, but first take a break for a month.

Where to buy lycopin in tablets?

It is worth contacting the pharmacy, because it is there that you can find these valuable drugs that are reliably and carefully documented - which confirms their safety and effectiveness. Addresses sold in pharmacies always come from reliable sources, so it is the most safe to buy them there. The price of lycopines depends on the manufacturer and ranges from 330 rubles. up to 760 rubles. For packaging.

You can also purchase dietary supplements with lycopine on the site Iherb.

What products are the most lycopine?

This compound is very common in nature. It contains:

• Watermelons
• Strawberry
• Grapefruit
• Apricots

However, the most lycopine in tomatoes - Especially in the Reds, because it is lycopine that is responsible for their red color.

It is worth knowing:

• The presence of lycopine in tomatoes also depends on the type and growing conditions. High temperature negatively affects the formation of lycopene in the plant - it is estimated that in winter, its content is higher than in the summer.
• Although the temperature adversely affects the production of lycopine in tomatoes, if the vegetable was undergoing heat treatment, the concentration of the substance will be higher than in raw form.
• Its greatest content will be in tomato products - especially in concentrates, sauces, juices and ketchups.

These products, rich in lycopine, can be a sufficient source of such a compound in the human diet. It is also worth adding them to fatty dishes, since lycopines are best dissolved in fats. As a result, its bioavailability increases.

Lycopene drink - how to cook: recipe

As already mentioned, the richest with lycopine are tomatoes. But in order to get it in the right amount, you need to eat up to 10 pieces, which is impossible. The so -called lycopene (Lycopene) drink can be just tomato juice or its various variations that can be prepared yourself or buy in a healthy meal store. For example, here is the recipe:

Red vegetables will be needed:

• Tomatoes - 1 pc.
• Bulgarian red pepper - 1 pc.
• Beets - 0.5 pcs.

Cook like this:

1. Wash the vegetables, clean from the stalks, beets from the peel.
2. Fold the vegetables in a blender or grind to a puree state.
3. You can also make juice, but then you will remove useful fiber.
4. Add salt and other seasonings to taste. Stir and drink once a day, for example, after a half.

For the second breakfast, you can prepare fruit puree of strawberries, raspberries, red currants, watermelon or other seasonal fruits - grenade, viburnum, grapefruit, etc. In general, use any red vegetables or fruits as a source of lycopine. Such a peculiar antioxidant bomb will be useful for the body, since it protects from oxidative stress that has a destructive effect on the body, and also affects the degree of cholesterol well.

Video: Likopin - what is it. The benefits of lycopine. Nutritionist Andrey Nikiforov