subject: Lycopene in Tomatoes are Used for Anti Aging [print this page] Lycopene in Tomatoes are Used for Anti Aging
Tomatoes are a widely known fruit all around the world for the acidic flavor and bright red coloring. Originating in South America, tomatoes began to spread during the Spanish colonization and are known and grown worldwide. Tomatoes are used extensively in the kitchen in both raw and cooked forms and are used for all different types of dishes. Even still, tomatoes are packed with powerful vitamins and full of fiber. The tomato is a powerful antioxidant that can be used in anti aging treatments and skin care regiments on a daily basis. Easily accessible, inexpensive and low in calories the tomato makes itself a powerful player that stands up against all the other anti aging remedies available on the market today.
As one of the most powerful antioxidants the tomato is filled with vitamin C, A, B, E, and K as well as anthocyanin, glutathione, and carotenoids. Of the carotenoids, lycopene is the most powerful and tomatoes are the richest in lycopene, giving it the advantage over other citrus, and red, orange and yellow colored fruits and vegetables. In addition, tomatoes have several minerals, which add healthy benefits to the body including iron, manganese, magnesium and potassium.
As an antioxidant, the objective is to remove and eliminate free radicals in the body. Free radicals oxidize human cells; especially skin cells, which can cause them to change shape. When this happens disease can occur such as cancer. It can also cause premature signs of aging such as wrinkles, age spots, discoloration, fine lines, etc. Lycopene protects the skin from the free radicals that can cause these signs of aging. It also improves the skins ability to protect itself from the harmful UV rays of the sun, which is another cause of aging. This slows down the aging process and fights against sunburns and wrinkles. Lycopene has been discovered to prevent cancer such as prostate, breast, colon and lung cancer. It has also helped to improve vision as we age, therefore reducing the risk for diseases such as cataracts, and macular degeneration both of which occur as you age. Antioxidants also boost the immune system therefore keeping the skin and body healthy longer.
Lycopene is present more abundantly in the skin of tomatoes therefore removing the tomato skin and applying it to the face can protect and improve the skin strength and resistance to aging. Lycopene is a fat soluble antoxidant making it more easily broken down when consumed with fat or when cooked, heated or baked. Lycopene has very tight bonds so its harder to digest unless cooked. When consumed right it is easily absorbed by the skin. That's not to say you can't consume raw tomatoes, however more antioxidants will be readily available to the body when you consume cooked tomatoes.
Consuming tomatoes is a great anti aging treatment and disease prevention technique. With the most powerful antioxidants and the most lycopene of any other food available, it provides the best anti aging effects than any other treatment on the market. Reduce the signs of aging before they even appear on your skin by consuming tomatoes 2-3 times a week.
