Most often paired with images of plump, vine-ripened tomatoes,
lycopene is a nutrient that holds promise as a wonderful
antioxidant. Lycopene belongs to the carotenoid family, which
includes beta-carotene, lutein and zeanthin. Like its kin,
lycopene intake seems to greatly benefit the body. A red
pigment, lycopene is commonly found in fruits and vegetables of
that hue. It may be the most abundant nutrient of the carotenoid
family related to prostate health [Source: Borek]. For
prevention, a higher intake of lycopene shows greater benefit
[Source: Giovannucci]. Further studies have demonstrated higher
fruit and vegetable intake, which in turn increases lycopene
intake, helps lower prostate cancer risk [Source: Smith-Warner].
As a treatment for prostate cancer, supplemental lycopene didn’t
show major benefit [Source: Jatoi]. However, another study has
shown patients taking 15 mg of supplemental lycopene, three
weeks before surgery to remove the prostate, had improvements in
cancerous lesions and decreases in th