Lycopene is a symmetrical tetraterpene because it consists entirely of carbon and hydrogen and is derived from eight isoprene subunits.

In its natural, all- trans form, the molecule is long and somewhat flat, constrained by its system of 11 conjugated double bonds. The extended conjugation is responsible for its deep red color. Plants and photosynthetic bacteria produce all- trans lycopene.

Carotenoids like lycopene are found in photosynthetic pigment-protein complexes in plants, photosynthetic bacteria, fungi, and algae. Lycopene is a key intermediate in the biosynthesis of carotenoids, such as beta-carotene , and xanthophylls.

Dispersed lycopene molecules can be encapsulated into carbon nanotubes enhancing their optical properties. Encapsulation increases chemical and thermal stability of lycopene molecules; it also allows their isolation and individual characterization. The unconditioned biosynthesis of lycopene in eukaryotic plants and in prokaryotic cyanobacteria is similar, as are the enzymes involved.

This is then condensed with three molecules of isopentenyl pyrophosphate an isomer of dimethylallyl pyrophosphate , to give the carbon geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate.

Two molecules of this product are then condensed in a tail-to-tail configuration to give the carbon phytoene , the first committed step in carotenoid biosynthesis. Through several desaturation steps, phytoene is converted into lycopene. The two terminal isoprene groups of lycopene can be cyclized to produce beta-carotene, which can then be transformed into a wide variety of xanthophylls.

Lycopene is the pigment in tomato sauces that turns plastic cookware orange. It is insoluble in plain water, but it can be dissolved in organic solvents and oils. Because of its non-polarity, lycopene in food preparations will stain any sufficiently porous material, including most plastics.

To remove this staining, the plastics may be soaked in a solution containing a small amount of chlorine bleach. Absorption of lycopene requires that it be combined with bile salts and fat to form micelles. Lycopene is not an essential nutrient for humans, but is commonly found in the diet mainly from dishes prepared from tomatoes.

Fruits and vegetables that are high in lycopene include autumn olive , gac , tomatoes, watermelon , pink grapefruit , pink guava , papaya , seabuckthorn , wolfberry goji , a berry relative of tomato , and rosehip.

Unlike other fruits and vegetables, where nutritional content such as vitamin C is diminished upon cooking, processing of tomatoes increases the concentration of bioavailable lycopene. Cooking and crushing tomatoes as in the canning process and serving in oil-rich dishes such as spaghetti sauce or pizza greatly increases assimilation from the digestive tract into the bloodstream.

Lycopene is fat-soluble, so the oil is said to help absorption. Gac has high lycopene content derived mainly from its seed coats. Lycopene is non-toxic and commonly found in the diet, mainly from tomato products.

There are cases of intolerance or allergic reaction to dietary lycopene, which may cause diarrhea , nausea , stomach pain or cramps, gas, and loss of appetite. Lycopene may affect the immune system , the nervous system , sensitivity to sunlight, or drugs used for stomach ailments.

Lycopenemia is an orange discoloration of the skin that is observed with high intakes of lycopene. A review of randomized controlled trials found conflicting evidence for lycopene having an effect on cardiovascular risk factors , [29] whereas a review concluded that tomato products and lycopene supplementation reduced blood lipids and blood pressure.

A review found that dietary lycopene was associated with reduced risk of prostate cancer , [31] whereas a meta-analysis found that dietary lycopene did not affect prostate cancer risk. In a review of literature on lycopene and its potential benefit in the diet, the European Food Safety Authority concluded there was insufficient evidence for lycopene having antioxidant effects in humans, particularly in skin, heart function, or vision protection from ultraviolet light.

Although lycopene from tomatoes has been tested in humans for cardiovascular diseases and prostate cancer, no effect on any disease was found. no studies provided information about whether lycopene intake may reduce the risk of any of the specific forms of cancer.

Based on the above, FDA concludes that there is no credible evidence supporting a relationship between lycopene consumption, either as a food ingredient, a component of food, or as a dietary supplement, and any of these cancers. Contents move to sidebar hide. Article Talk. Read Edit View history.

Tools Tools. What links here Related changes Upload file Special pages Permanent link Page information Cite this page Get shortened URL Download QR code Wikidata item. Download as PDF Printable version.

In other projects. Wikimedia Commons. Carotenoid pigment. CAS Number. Interactive image. CHEBI Y. ChEMBL Y. PubChem CID. SB0N2N0WV6 Y. CompTox Dashboard EPA. Chemical formula. Solubility in water. Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state at 25 °C [77 °F], kPa.

Y verify what is Y N? Infobox references. Chemical compound. PubChem, US National Library of Medicine. Retrieved 13 October CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics 92nd ed.

CRC Press. ISBN Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. doi : Conde Nast. Retrieved Micronutrient Information Center, Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR. July Archived from the original on 21 May Retrieved 29 May Tomato lycopene extract" PDF.

US Food and Drug Administration. R; Agarwal, Anita; Chakravarthi, Sujatha; Agarwal, Sanjiv; Rao, A. Venket Journal of Molecular Structure: Theochem.

The Journal of Nutrition. PMID Retrieved 10 May Bibcode : PhRvB.. Archived from the original PDF on Bibcode : JaJAP.. S2CID The Huffington Post. Lycopenemia, characterized by an orange discoloration of the skin, has been observed with high intakes of lycopene-containing foods.

Lycopene is a bright red carotenoid hydrocarbon found in tomatoes and other red fruits and vegetables. It is a powerful antioxidant with many health benefits.

Pic source: Pixabay. It's known as an antioxidant, and its main job is to tackle harmful substances in our body called free radicals," Dr Ushakiran Sisodia, Registered Dietician and Clinical Nutritionist Diet and Nutrition, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital told indianexpress.

Free radicals can harm our cells and speed up ageing and cause diseases such as cancer or cardiovascular conditions. As per some studies, lycopene may reduce the risk of some types of cancer, especially prostate cancer. Pic source: Freepik. Sisodia added that foods rich in lycopene may even help keep our bones strong and protect our skin from sun damage.

Which foods are rich in lycopene? Tomatoes, watermelon, pink grapefruit, guava, papaya, red bell peppers, asparagus, red cabbage and pomegranate are some foods rich in lycopene.

Did you know that our bodies can get more lycopene from cooked or processed tomatoes than from the raw ones? Lycopene is great, but it's no magic bullet.

Also, even though lycopene shows promise in fighting off cancer and heart disease, in no way can it be a substitute for active treatment, recommended by the doctors. News Photos Lifestyle Gallery Why you need to add lycopene-rich foods to your diet Why you need to add lycopene-rich foods to your diet.

Cheeseburger; Double Regular Patty; With Condiments Fast Foods Cheeseburger; Double Regular Patty; With Condiments 1 sandwich. Cheeseburger Double Regular Patty And Bun With Condiments Fast Foods Cheeseburger Double Regular Patty And Bun With Condiments 1 sandwich.

Cheeseburger; Single Regular Patty With Condiments And Vegetables Fast Foods Cheeseburger; Single Regular Patty With Condiments And Vegetables 1 sandwich. Canned Baked Beans Beans Baked Canned Plain Or Vegetarian 1 cup. Cheeseburger; Single Regular Patty With Condiments Fast Foods Cheeseburger; Single Regular Patty With Condiments 1 item.

Hamburger Large Single Patty With Condiments Fast Foods Hamburger Large Single Patty With Condiments 1 item. Hamburger; Single Regular Patty; With Condiments Fast Foods Hamburger; Single Regular Patty; With Condiments 1 sandwich.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes Tomatoes Sun-Dried 1 piece. Clam And Tomato Juice Canned 1 fl oz. Barbecue Sauce Sauce Barbecue 1 tbsp. Grapefruit Juice Grapefruit Juice Pink Or Red With Added Calcium 8 fl oz.

Grilled Chicken Bacon And Tomato Club Sandwich With Cheese Lettuce And Mayonnaise Fast Foods Grilled Chicken Bacon And Tomato Club Sandwich With Cheese Lettuce And Mayonnaise 1 sandwich.

Crispy Chicken Bacon And Tomato Club Sandwich With Cheese Lettuce And Mayonnaise Fast Foods Crispy Chicken Bacon And Tomato Club Sandwich With Cheese Lettuce And Mayonnaise 1 sandwich. Submarine Sandwich Turkey Roast Beef And Ham On White Bread With Lettuce And Tomato Fast Foods Submarine Sandwich Turkey Roast Beef And Ham On White Bread With Lettuce And Tomato 12 inch sub.

Black Bean Soup Soup Black Bean Canned Prepared With Equal Volume Water 1 cup. Nachos With Cheese Beans Ground Beef And Tomatoes Fast Foods Nachos With Cheese Beans Ground Beef And Tomatoes 1 serving. Submarine Sandwich Cold Cut On White Bread With Lettuce And Tomato Fast Foods Submarine Sandwich Cold Cut On White Bread With Lettuce And Tomato 6 inch sub.

Russian Dressing Salad Dressing Russian Dressing 1 tbsp. Red Bell Peppers Cooked Peppers Sweet Red Sauteed 1 cup chopped. Submarine Sandwich Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki On White Bread With Lettuce Tomato And Sweet Onion Sauce Fast Foods Submarine Sandwich Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki On White Bread With Lettuce Tomato And Sweet Onion Sauce 6 inch sub.

Campbells Beef Barley Soup Campbell's Chunky Hearty Beef Barley Soup 1 cup. Cheeseburger; Single Large Patty; With Condiments Vegetables And Mayonnaise Fast Foods Cheeseburger; Single Large Patty; With Condiments Vegetables And Mayonnaise 1 sandwich.

Submarine Sandwich Oven Roasted Chicken On White Bread With Lettuce And Tomato Fast Foods Submarine Sandwich Oven Roasted Chicken On White Bread With Lettuce And Tomato 6 inch sub. Thousand Island Salad Dressing Thousand Island Commercial Regular 1 tbsp.

Submarine Sandwich Steak And Cheese On White Bread With Cheese Lettuce And Tomato Fast Foods Submarine Sandwich Steak And Cheese On White Bread With Cheese Lettuce And Tomato 6 inch sub. Submarine Sandwich Roast Beef On White Bread With Lettuce And Tomato Fast Foods Submarine Sandwich Roast Beef On White Bread With Lettuce And Tomato 6 inch sub.

Burrito With Beans Cheese And Beef Fast Foods Burrito With Beans Cheese And Beef 1 burrito. Submarine Sandwich Turkey Breast On White Bread With Lettuce And Tomato Fast Foods Submarine Sandwich Turkey Breast On White Bread With Lettuce And Tomato 6 inch sub.

Mamey Sapote Sapote Mamey Raw 1 cup 1 inch pieces. Vegetable And Fruit Juice Drink Reduced Calorie With Low-Calorie Sweetener Added Vitamin C 1 serving. Submarine Sandwich Tuna On White Bread With Lettuce And Tomato Fast Foods Submarine Sandwich Tuna On White Bread With Lettuce And Tomato 6 inch sub.

Subway Tuna Sub Subway Tuna Sub On White Bread With Lettuce And Tomato 6 inch sub. Submarine Sandwich Ham On White Bread With Lettuce And Tomato Fast Foods Submarine Sandwich Ham On White Bread With Lettuce And Tomato 6 inch sub.

Submarine Sandwich Bacon Lettuce And Tomato On White Bread Fast Foods Submarine Sandwich Bacon Lettuce And Tomato On White Bread 6 inch sub. Breakfast Burrito With Egg Cheese And Sausage Fast Foods Breakfast Burrito With Egg Cheese And Sausage 1 burrito.

Canned Asparagus Asparagus Canned Drained Solids 1 cup. Asparagus Cooked Asparagus Cooked Boiled Drained 1 cup. Rutabagas Neeps Swedes Rutabagas Raw 1 cup, cubes. Red Cabbage Cabbage Red Raw 1 cup, chopped. Cooked Rutabagas Neeps Swedes Rutabagas Cooked Boiled Drained Without Salt 1 cup, cubes. Vegetable Broth Soup Vegetable Broth Ready To Serve 1 cup.

Feijoa Feijoa Raw 1 cup, pureed. Mangos Mangos Raw 1 cup pieces. Hamburger; Single Regular Patty; Plain Fast Foods Hamburger; Single Regular Patty; Plain 1 sandwich.

Beef Baloney Bologna Bologna Beef 1 slice. Dried Basil Spices Basil Dried 1 tsp, leaves. Sesame Seed Dressing Salad Dressing Sesame Seed Dressing Regular 1 tablespoon. English Muffin With Cheese And Sausage Fast Foods English Muffin With Cheese And Sausage 1 item. Broiled Ground Lamb Lamb Ground Cooked Broiled 3 oz.

Unprepared Turkey Bacon Bacon Turkey Unprepared 1 serving. Fruit-Flavored Drink Dry Powdered Mix Low Calorie With Aspartame 1 tsp.

Pineapple Traditional Pineapple Raw Traditional Varieties 1 cup, chunks. Cooked Pumpkin Pumpkin Cooked Boiled Drained Without Salt 1 cup, mashed.

Cassava Cassava Raw 1 cup. Hot Green Chili Peppers Peppers Hot Chili Green Raw 1 pepper. Whole Milk Milk Whole 3. English Muffin With Egg Cheese And Canadian Bacon Fast Foods English Muffin With Egg Cheese And Canadian Bacon 1 sandwich.

Orange Breakfast Drink Ready-To-Drink With Added Nutrients 1 fl oz. Canned Pumpkin Pumpkin Canned Without Salt 1 cup. English Muffin With Egg Cheese And Sausage Fast Foods English Muffin With Egg Cheese And Sausage 1 item. Diet Pepper Cola Carbonated Low Calorie Cola Or Pepper-Type With Aspartame Without Caffeine 1 can or bottle 16 fl oz.

Oriental Radishes Radishes Oriental Raw 1 cup slices. Shallots Shallots Raw 1 tbsp chopped. French Toast Sticks Fast Foods French Toast Sticks 3 pieces.

Veal Bratwurst Bratwurst Veal Cooked 1 serving 2. Caffeine Free Cola Carbonated Cola Without Caffeine 1 serving 12 fl oz. Cooked Oriental Radishes Radishes Oriental Cooked Boiled Drained Without Salt 1 cup, sliced. Egg Noodles Cooked Noodles Egg Enriched Cooked 1 cup.

Celery Celery Raw 1 stalk, large 11 inch inch long. Cola Soft Drink Carbonated Cola Regular 1 can or bottle 16 fl oz. Coca-Cola Powerade Lemon-Lime Flavored Ready-To-Drink 1 fl oz. Cooked Celery Celery Cooked Boiled Drained Without Salt 1 cup, diced. Rice Bran Oil Oil Rice Bran 1 tablespoon.

Skim Milk Milk Nonfat Fluid With Added Vitamin A And Vitamin D Fat Free Or Skim 16oz glass. Shrimp Breaded And Fried Fast Foods Shrimp Breaded And Fried 3 pieces shrimp. Diet Cola Carbonated Reduced Sugar Cola Contains Caffeine And Sweeteners 1 can 8 fl oz.

Propel Zero Fruit-Flavored Non-Carbonated 1 fl oz. Spinach Egg Noodles Cooked Noodles Egg Spinach Enriched Cooked 1 cup. Wheat Germ Oil Oil Wheat Germ 1 tsp.

Swiss Chard Chard Swiss Raw 1 cup. Palm Oil Oil Palm 1 tbsp. Tea Black Ready-To-Drink Peach Diet 1 cup. Fried Yellow Plantains Plantains Yellow Fried Latino Restaurant 1 cup. Chicory Greens Chicory Greens Raw 1 cup, chopped.

Sesame Oil Oil Sesame Salad Or Cooking 1 tablespoon. Ocean Spray Ruby Red Cranberry 8 fl oz. Dry Dessert Wine Alcoholic Beverage Wine Dessert Dry 1 serving 5 fl oz. Red Delicious Apples Apples Raw Red Delicious With Skin Includes Foods For Usda's Food Distribution Program 1 medium.

Chicken Tenders Fast Foods Chicken Tenders 1 strip. Golden Delicious Apples Apples Raw Golden Delicious With Skin 1 medium. Laver Seaweed Seaweed Laver Raw 10 sheets. Dandelion Greens Dandelion Greens Raw 1 cup, chopped.

Chives Chives Raw 1 tbsp chopped. Margarine Margarine Regular Hard Soybean Hydrogenated 1 tsp. Roasted Turkey Drumstick Turkey Drumstick From Whole Bird Meat Only Roasted 3 oz. Bagel With Egg Sausage Patty Cheese And Condiments Fast Foods Bagel With Egg Sausage Patty Cheese And Condiments 1 item.

Lemonade Powder 1 serving. Cocoa Mix Low Calorie Powder With Added Calcium Phosphorus Aspartame Without Added Sodium Or Vitamin A 1 envelope swiss miss.

From pasta sauce to pizza sauce, to a fresh Caprese salad, enjoy tomatoes in all your favorite varieties. Pink Grapefruit While grapefruit has been primarily known for its high levels of vitamin C, there are many more health benefits to this juicy, succulent, sweet fruit.

Not only is pink grapefruit high in lycopene at 2, μg the brighter pink the better , it is also low in sugar compared to most fruits 25 on the glycemic index scale.

The health benefits are vast when it comes to grapefruit, including benefits beyond those of lycopene, such as metabolic enhancement and antioxidant protection. How to enjoy: Cut grapefruit into fresh slices as a snack, include it in your favorite salad, fresh juices, or use grapefruit essential oil or grapefruit seed oil for more potent medicinal value.

Asparagus The Roman emperor Augustus dedicated an entire fleet of ships to hauling asparagus. He was on to something. You may be a surprised that asparagus is on the list of high-potency lycopene foods, but not all lycopene-rich foods are red!

While media focuses mainly on tomatoes with regards to lycopene-rich foods, this dark green vegetable is also a good source of lycopene. How to enjoy : Roast with a dash of avocado oil and sea salt, grill with a little lemon zest and olive oil, blend into a vegetable bisque, or even steam and toss on top of your favorite salad.

Asparagus is a versatile and tasty addition to any meal. Red Cabbage Need a different spin on your summer salads? This purple crunchy, cruciferous delight is a great addition to any meal.

Red cabbage is also a source of lycopene along with many other phytonutrients and is easy to doctor up for a delicious summer meal. This dynamic antioxidant-rich food has been featured in hundreds of studies on cancer prevention and cancer treatment.

How to enjoy: Try shredding some red cabbage and tossing with sesame oil and rice vinegar for an Asian-style coleslaw. Add some fermented red cabbage as a condiment to your meal in the form of sauerkraut or kimchi for a probiotic boost , or toss red cabbage into a stir-fry or soup.

Including the above five foods in your meals on a regular basis will ensure you are getting your daily dose of lycopene. Lycopene benefits almost every system in your body and, most of all, nourishes your cellular chemistry, protecting your cells from toxic stress and keeping you in tip-top shape.

Remember, when your cells are happy, you are happy! Recipe: Watermelon Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese and Pistachios in a Balsamic Glaze Try this simple salad for a fresh summertime taste and a lycopene infusion. Simmer and stir until the balsamic is at about half the original amount minutes.

Add watermelon, goat cheese, and red onions. Drizzle the dressing over the salad, and top with roasted pistachios and your protein of choice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before undertaking any diet, supplement, fitness, or other health program.

Discover the best, most healing foods to ingest for your unique mind-body type at Perfect Health , our intimate wellness retreat customized just for you. Learn More. Related Articles. Recommended Products. Ritual Care Kit. Chopra Ritual Care is a day transformative journey of mind-body wellness and personal growth, designed to help you create simple Buy now Sold out.

Chopra Ayurvedic Body Oil Trio. This warm and nourishing Ayurvedic oil alleviates dryness from the body and contains a sweet blend of ylang-ylang, cedarwood, patchouli, and This cooling Ayurvedic oil reduces inflammation in the body and contains ylang-ylang, orange, lemon, and geranium to bring peace to