Lycopene is a cartenoid agent found in fruits and vegtables like tomatoes. It is what gives a pink or red color to watermelons and other fruits. It is important that one is sure they are consuming adequete amounts of this substance due to the long-term health benefits it may have. Research has pointed out that a natural health benefit from consumption may decrease your risk for stroke, among other things.

Lycopene has natural antioxidant properties that are proven to be more powerful than other cartenoids, all while reducing the risk of stroke in some individuals. A new study managed to closely monitor the lives of 1,000 men between their 40's and 50's for more than 12 years. By controlling other stroke factors like older age and diabetes, they found that men with the highest blood levels of lycopene were 55% less likely to have a stroke than those with minimal amounts in the blood.

Other antioxidant components found in fruits such as Alpha Carotene, Beta-carotene and Alpha Tocopherol (Vitamin E) were found to have no similar effects. However, tiny amounts of this to a certain majority are found in the different kinds of fruits and vegtables you may consume that have a pinkish or red color to them. Tomatoes, for instance, have a high concentration of lycopene because of the bright red color to the vegetable. Cooking tomatoes, on one hand is better than eating them raw. Research has shown that cooked tomatoes increase lycopene content that can be absorbed by the body as well as the total amount of antioxidant activity that is present in the body. Among other properties and characteristics of this nutrient, lycopene is also fat soluble, making it ideal to eat with some dietary fat. Other fruits and vegetables that contain appropriate amounts of lycopene are: Apricots, Guava, Watermelon, Papaya and Pink Grapefruit. Eating these foods can provide rich amounts that are beneficial toward the prevention of diabetes and cancer.

Researchers have also also suggested that lycopene may help reduce inflammation and cholesterol, thereby improving immune function and blood clotting. These things may help reduce ischemic strokes and blood clots caused by reduced blood flow in the brain. (Harvard Health, 2012) It is recommended that everyone consume at least 10,000 micrograms of lycopene per day from food. Lycopene is beneficial for anyone seeking an extra-fat burning boost because of nutrient properties. As long as the individual maintains a healthy, balanced diet with many fruits and vegetables with plenty of exercise--they may see a difference in their overall health. It is important that you do not abandon your lifestyle or diet because it can have a significant impact on your mood and physical health as time goes on. Be sure you are consuming plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet every day to receive adequete vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that will assist your body through its daily tasks.