The Effects of Lycopene on Health and Fields of Use
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Keywords:
Food, Fruits, Vegetables, Health, LycopeneAbstract
In recent years, there has been increase in the interest of the general public in both healthy and
functional foods. Because this interest is very important in terms of the fact that foods cause the prevention
and emergence of many diseases. In this context, people there is a greater interest in fruits and vegetables
in terms of adequate and balanced nutrition. This food group, which is richer than other foods, especially
in terms of micronutrients, contains various phytochemicals such as phenolic compounds and antioxidants.
As a matter of fact, antioxidants are defined as chemical compounds that can inhibit the oxidation process
by preventing the initiation and progression of oxidising chain reactions. One of the phytochemicals and
antioxidants is lycopene, which belongs to the carotenoid group. Acting as a natural pigment, lycopene has
many functional properties (such as colouring, functioning of photosynthetic mechanisms) for plants.
Lycopene, with the chemical formula C40H56, has a molecular mass of 536.89 Da. Lycopene, which has a
hydrophobic structure, is soluble in various organic solvents. On the other hand, it is stated that it is
extremely sensitive to elements such as oxygen, light, heat and moisture due to its structural properties. The
most important sources of lycopene found in many fruits and vegetables include tomatoes, watermelon,
pink guava, carrot, pumpkin, papaya and sweet potato. It is also stated that lycopene, which can have many
positive effects on human health, has protective effects in terms of cancer, heart disease, aging, bone and
skin health. It is also an important antioxidant compound in the elimination of free radicals that can occur
as a result of many factors. Conversely, ingestion of foods or supplements containing excessive lycopene
may result in the development of a condition known as lycopeneemia. This review article presents an
overview of the chemical structure, properties and effects of lycopene on human health.
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