LYCOPENES
Lycopenes are carotenoids [ beta carotenes] by classification and are red in tint conferring the typical Red colour to Tomato, red oranges, watermelon, Pink-red grapes, Guava and a few other fruits. These organic moieties are excellent anti-oxidants and serve in health restoration for humans. Their anti-oxidant property helps to defend cells and tissues from damage by oxidation.
The defensive utility of lycopenes is useful in treating high blood pressure, Cholesterol and certain types of cancer. Instances of prostate cancer are said to be minimized by ‘oral consumption’ of lycopene.
On the contrary, lycopene use does not seem to help much in blood cancer and Diabetes. Also, lycopenes may impede the process of blood clotting. Therefore, use of Lycopenes may be discontinued for a couple of weeks prior to surgery to preclude chances of bleeding from surgery due to non clotting of blood at surgical wounds.
Lycopene-rich diets are said to lower the risk of heart disorders by 17-26% and of stroke-risk by 31%; it can also help reducing oxidative stress among smokers by about 20% .
OTHER BENEFITS
Lycopenes help maintaining good vision
LOWERING OR REDUCING OF PAINS BY gradually improving the nerve condition from rapid damage.
Bone strength and brain alertness are ascribed to use of lycopene- furnishing natural food.
However, lycopene abuse can cause disorders of skin.
Prof. K. Raman
Animals too posses pigments
ReplyDeleteHaemoglobin -Red blood pigment
Haemocyanin-Blue blood pigment as in molluscs
Chlorocruorin-Green blood pigment as in lower invertebrates
Melanin-Common black and brown pigment
Rhodopsin -Found in rod cells of retina -Scotopic vision
Iodopsin-Found in cone cells -Photopic vision
Guanine-Iridescen colour
Chromatophores- Gives different colours under the control of hormones
K.Venkataraman