Lycopene and human health-A review

Functional and nutraceutical foods have shared the disease load of huge population. This has led to the consumption of plant-based phytonutrients act as preventives agents when taken as dietary supplements. Their health promoting potentials are due to presence of functional ingredients. The antioxidant properties of lycopene are thought to be primarily responsible for its beneficial properties. Lycopene bio availability, tissue distribution, metabolism, excretion, and biological actions in humans are beginning to accumulate although much additional research is necessary. Lycopene is an important carotenoids. Thesea refound to be very beneficial for maintaining agood health and helps in preventing cancer, cardiovascular and other diseases.