For many years, research has highlighted the virtues of lycopene, a red pigment found in tomato.
The many benefits of lycopene
Besides its protective properties againststroke (Stroke) and its beneficial effects on blood circulation, it would reduce cholesterol, the growth of prostate tumors and would protect other cancers such as breast cancer. In addition, it would be able to reduce the harmful effects of radiotherapy treatment. However, no research had looked at how this carotenoid works in the human body.
This is now done with the work carried out by researchers at the University of Illinois (United States) and published in theAmerican journal of clinical nutrition. Scientists grew tomatoes loaded with lycopene to track how the molecule was absorbed and distributed in the bodies of four healthy men and four women.
The structure of lycopene changes when absorbed
To monitor lycopene in the body over the long term, researchers have incorporated carbon atoms into this molecule. By then analyzing the blood of the volunteers, the researchers realized that once absorbed, the chemical structure of lycopene changed.
Normally, the shape of lycopene is rigid and linear, but in the body of people who consume it regularly, its appearance becomes more curved and flexible. For scientists, it is this last form that brings its positive effect on health.
The researchers want to continue their research by performing the same tests in sick people in order to understand the anti-cancerous functioning of the pigment.
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– Nutrition: cooked tomatoes are excellent for the heart
