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Want a healthy heart, a sharp mind and a cancer-free body? You need lycopene. This powerful phytochemical is found in abundance in fruits like tomatoes, papayas, guavas and grapefruit. This nutritious carotenoid has many health benefits. Here are six reasons why you should have a diet rich in lycopene.
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Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant: Antioxidants are important for cancer prevention and good cardiovascular health. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that not only scavenges for free radicals, but also prevents oxidative damage caused by toxins in the body.[1]
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Lycopene prevents cancer: Lycopene is known to prevent and slow down the progression of many types of cancers, mainly prostate cancer and breast cancer.[2]
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Lycopene keeps your eyes healthy: Due to its antioxidant reserves, lycopene helps in preventing the development of cataracts and is being considered as treatment method for the disease. [3] It also prevents the age-related weakening of vision [4].
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Lycopene improves heart health: The antioxidants in lycopene helps bring down instances of cardiovascular disease and reduces the build up of plaque in the arteries. [5]
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Constant pain in the hips, legs and back, it can gradually lead to chronic neuropathic pain. ©shutterstock
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Lycopene is good for the brain: Lycopene protects the brain against neurodegenerative problems. It delays the onset and slows down the progression of Alzheimer's and has neuroprotective qualities. [7] [8]
