| Researchers
report that carotenoids may act as antioxidants that protect
cells from oxygen-related damage that can result from
regular cell functions. There have been a number of studies
that have drawn a correlation between lycopene and the
possible prevention of cancer, heart disease and stroke.
A recent Harvard study concluded that men who ate lycopene-rich
diets had a much lower risk of developing certain cancers,
especially prostate cancer. In addition, another recent
report indicates that women with the highest lycopene
levels had a five-fold lower risk of developing pre-cancerous
signs of cervical cancer than women with the lowest
lycopene levels.
Other preliminary studies with processed tomatoes and
tomato products show that lycopene’s antioxidant
capacity may prevent against hardening of the arteries,
a risk factor for heart disease. And, in Europe, researchers
have found a statistically significant association between
high dietary lycopene and a 48% lower risk of heart
disease.
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