LYCOPENE & HEART DISEASE
Cardiovascular diseases are one of the leading causes of death in North America. Scientific evidence indicates that oxidation of low-density lipoproteins, which carry cholesterol into the blood stream, plays an important role in the development of atherosclerosis – the underlying disorder leading to heart attacks and ischemic strokes (1). Antioxidants are believed to slow the progression of atherosclerosis because of their ability to inhibit cell-damaging oxidation (2). " Recent studies indicate that consuming the antioxidant lycopene can reduce the risk of heart diseases."
LYCOPENE & HEART DISEASE
Cardiovascular diseases are one of the leading causes of death in North America. Scientific evidence indicates that oxidation of low-density lipoproteins, which carry cholesterol into the blood stream, plays an important role in the development of atherosclerosis – the underlying disorder leading to heart attacks and ischemic strokes (1). Antioxidants are believed to slow the progression of atherosclerosis because of their ability to inhibit cell-damaging oxidation (2). " Recent studies indicate that consuming the antioxidant lycopene can reduce the risk of heart diseases."
In a study of participants from 10 European countries, it was found that consumption of lycopene in fruits and vegetables might reduce the likelihood of developing heart disease . Almost 1 million Americans unneccessarily die of cardiovascular diseases every year (40.6% of all deaths; No. 1 killer every year since 1900). Chronic inflammation has been implicated in degenerative diseases, including heart disease. Lycopene and other bioactive compounds have the ability to regulate immune signals; thus, reducing the risk for cardiovascular disease.
