Most researchers agree that lycopene is one of the most powerful antioxidants in the world today. It has been shown to have the ability to prevent some forms of cancer and is beneficial for other health problems. In laboratory and animal studies lycopene has demonstrated antioxidant and antiproliferative abilities, but its exact affect on humans is still not fully understood. It is thought to help prevent damage to human cells that are caused by oxidation and free radicals.
Many studies have correlated the reduced incidences of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and macular degeneration to increased consumption of lycopene rich foods. It is also believed to help prevent the formation of prostate cancer.
Located just below the bladder the walnut-sized prostate gland is a male sex organ that is prone to a variety of medical conditions including cancer, benign enlargement, inflammation, and infection. With well over 200,000 new prostate cancer diagnosis in the United States last year it is the most common form of malignancy in males.
Prostate cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in the prostate resulting in a tumor that if left untreated can metastasize to other parts of the body. What causes it is unknown. Most research does show that there is a link between age and a family history of the disease. Men over the age of fifty have an increased risk of developing this type of cancer and that risk only increases as they get older.
Although the exact cause is not known medical research believes that changes in testosterone levels as men age may be a factor in its development. Testosterone levels decrease as men age with one exception, DHT (dihydrotestosterone). DHT is produced from testosterone and even though testosterone levels decrease as men age DHT production stays the same. This hormone resides in the prostate and is responsible for promoting its growth. It is thought that maybe this DHT production could lead to the development of prostate cancer as men age.
Exactly how lycopene is a factor in the prevention of prostate cancer is not fully understood. But studies do suggest that it is a factor in helping to reduce the instances of this type of cancer. Lycopene is a phytochemical that acts as blocker agent against carcinogens and prevents them from interacting with the body's cells. This blocking action is vital in the prevention of cancer.
One thing that has come out of the study of lycopene and its affect on prostate cancer and other forms of cancer is the benefit of living a healthy lifestyle. Besides eating foods rich in lycopene (tomatoes, watermelon, grapefruits, red fruits) there are many things that men can do to lessen there chances of getting this disease; a healthy diet including fruits, vegetables, and fiber, avoiding fatty foods, and exercising are all good ways to improve men's prostate and overall health.
Many studies have correlated the reduced incidences of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and macular degeneration to increased consumption of lycopene rich foods. It is also believed to help prevent the formation of prostate cancer.
Located just below the bladder the walnut-sized prostate gland is a male sex organ that is prone to a variety of medical conditions including cancer, benign enlargement, inflammation, and infection. With well over 200,000 new prostate cancer diagnosis in the United States last year it is the most common form of malignancy in males.
Prostate cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in the prostate resulting in a tumor that if left untreated can metastasize to other parts of the body. What causes it is unknown. Most research does show that there is a link between age and a family history of the disease. Men over the age of fifty have an increased risk of developing this type of cancer and that risk only increases as they get older.
Although the exact cause is not known medical research believes that changes in testosterone levels as men age may be a factor in its development. Testosterone levels decrease as men age with one exception, DHT (dihydrotestosterone). DHT is produced from testosterone and even though testosterone levels decrease as men age DHT production stays the same. This hormone resides in the prostate and is responsible for promoting its growth. It is thought that maybe this DHT production could lead to the development of prostate cancer as men age.
Exactly how lycopene is a factor in the prevention of prostate cancer is not fully understood. But studies do suggest that it is a factor in helping to reduce the instances of this type of cancer. Lycopene is a phytochemical that acts as blocker agent against carcinogens and prevents them from interacting with the body's cells. This blocking action is vital in the prevention of cancer.
One thing that has come out of the study of lycopene and its affect on prostate cancer and other forms of cancer is the benefit of living a healthy lifestyle. Besides eating foods rich in lycopene (tomatoes, watermelon, grapefruits, red fruits) there are many things that men can do to lessen there chances of getting this disease; a healthy diet including fruits, vegetables, and fiber, avoiding fatty foods, and exercising are all good ways to improve men's prostate and overall health.