Nutraceuticals are food or food-based products that are used for their potential health benefits beyond their basic nutritional value. They are often marketed as dietary supplements, and may contain vitamins, minerals, herbs, or other natural or bioactive compounds that are believed to have health benefits.
Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant and is believed to have several potential health benefits, including:
1. Heart health: Lycopene helps to reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, and improving cholesterol levels.
2. Cancer prevention: Some studies have suggested that lycopene helps in reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, such as prostate cancer, by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells.
3. Skin health: Lycopene helps to protect the skin from sun damage and reduce the risk of skin cancer.
4. Eye health: Lycopene helps to reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration, which is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults.