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Lycopene:
Tomato's Prostate Cancer Fighter
Lycopene is a powerful phytochemical (plant compound)
in the carotenoid family that is found in significant amounts in tomato
products. The carotenoids are a group of pigments in plants that are not
nutrients per se, but act in concert with other chemicals in the body. The most
well known carotenoids are the lycopenes, which are generally red, Lycopene works to counter the damage caused to cells by
chemical reactions that involve oxygen. This damage, known as oxidative stress,
creates highly unstable toxic molecules known as free radicals. Unpaired
electrons in free radicals react negatively with other compounds in an attempt
to find the electrons they need. |
