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5 Surprising Benefits Of Lycopene

Lycopene is not a widely known supplement, and many people may not have heard of it until now. However, just because it is less popular does not mean it is not highly beneficial. That is why we decided to put the spotlight on it, publishing an article on 5 surprising benefits of lycopene supplementation.

Its limited popularity can be attributed to two main factors. First, minimal scientific research was conducted on lycopene until recently, making some people sceptical. Second, many claim you can get its benefits simply by eating plenty of ripe tomatoes, which makes it seem like a compound incapable of producing significant results.

Both of these concerns can now be put to rest. Lycopene studies have increased in recent years, and the amount found in even a large serving of tomatoes is insufficient to deliver its full range of effects. That said, its popularity will not rise overnight. Until these facts become more widely known, lycopene supplementation will remain underutilised, which is unfortunate.

Our guide to the 5 surprising benefits of lycopene supplementation aims to change that. We explain what lycopene is, where it is found, and detail the benefits it offers for the body, showing in depth how it works. This should convince readers to try lycopene supplementation and help it gain the recognition it deserves.

Table of Contents

What Is Lycopene & How Does It Work?

Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant found primarily in tomatoes and some processed tomato products, such as juice, paste, and sauce. It is also present in watermelon, pink grapefruit, guava, papaya, apricots, and certain other red fruits. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties benefit many parts of the body, particularly the heart, eyes, skin, and penis.

While lycopene has been extensively studied, no optimal daily dosage has been established. It is known to work best when combined with healthy fats, carotenoids like lutein or beta-carotene, and antioxidants and polyphenols, including N-acetyl-l-cysteine, vitamin C, and vitamin E.

This makes a supplement like Prime Male S-Volume more effective than a simple lycopene extract. Its formula combines lycopene, beta-carotene, N-acetyl-l-cysteine, vitamin C, and vitamin E, along with 15 additional ingredients that support overall health.

5 Surprising Benefits Of Lycopene

Reduces Inflammation & The Signs Of Ageing

Lycopene is best known for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. As one of the strongest natural antioxidants, it neutralises reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals that cause oxidative stress, a key driver of chronic inflammation and cellular ageing. By preventing oxidative damage to lipids, proteins, DNA, and tissues, lycopene helps maintain cell integrity and function over time.

By reducing oxidative stress, lycopene preserves mitochondrial function and protects DNA stability, both vital for energy production and healthy ageing. It also regulates inflammatory pathways by suppressing pro-inflammatory molecules, such as NF-κB, TNF-α, and IL-6, which are often elevated in chronic disease and ageing. This reduces low-grade inflammation that contributes to tissue damage and degenerative conditions.

These effects help slow ageing in cells as well as in joints and skin, enabling you to look and feel younger. Reduced oxidative stress also supports male sexual health by preventing erectile dysfunction and promoting stronger, longer erections and more powerful orgasms (1)(2).

Improves Cardiovascular Health & Functions

Another key benefit of lycopene is its ability to support cardiovascular health and function through several mechanisms. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties prevent the oxidation of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. Since this is a key step in plaque formation and atherosclerosis, inhibiting it helps maintain flexible and clear arteries.

Reducing inflammatory molecules and oxidative stress also protects the endothelium, the inner lining of blood vessels, helping prevent arterial stiffness and clot formation.

Lycopene not only lowers LDL cholesterol but also helps raise HDL (“good”) cholesterol. This supports healthier lipid profiles, more balanced cholesterol levels, and improved blood flow and overall cardiovascular function. Lycopene also promotes nitric oxide production, which relaxes blood vessel walls, improves circulation, and can reduce blood pressure.

Studies suggest that by improving endothelial function and reducing oxidative stress on the heart, lycopene enhances cardiac performance, supports long-term heart health, and reduces the risk of heart disease. Improved blood flow is also beneficial for male sexual health, supporting stronger erections and more powerful orgasms (3).

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Enhances Eye Health & Function

Lycopene benefits the eyes by protecting delicate ocular tissues from damage. A common cause of vision loss and age-related eye diseases. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are crucial, as the eyes are highly susceptible to oxidative stress from constant light exposure and high oxygen use.

It neutralises free radicals and reduces inflammation in ocular tissues, protecting the retina and lens. This helps preserve vision clarity, prevent degenerative eye disorders, and maintain long-term eye health. Reducing oxidative stress in retinal cells can also slow or prevent Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss in older adults.

Lycopene may also prevent oxidation of lens proteins, a major factor in cataract development, supporting clear and healthy vision as you age. Its benefits to cardiovascular health can further promote blood flow and nutrient delivery to the retina, improving eye function and reducing eye fatigue (4).

Supports Skin Health

Lycopene benefits the skin by protecting it from internal and external factors that cause degradation and ageing. Helping it stay youthful and resilient. Its most powerful function may be acting as an internal sunscreen. Absorbing harmful UV rays and reducing oxidative stress from sun exposure. This protection helps prevent sunburn, DNA damage, and long-term photoaging.

Its antioxidant properties also neutralise free radicals from environmental factors such as pollution, stress, and UV light. This protects skin cells, lipids, and collagen from breakdown, promoting smoother, firmer skin. Lycopene’s anti-inflammatory effects calm inflammation, helping prevent or reduce conditions like acne, redness, and sensitivity.

By reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, lycopene helps maintain collagen structure and elasticity. This slows the formation of fine lines and wrinkles and prevents premature ageing. Regular intake is also linked to brighter, more even skin tone and texture by supporting cell renewal and reducing redness or discolouration caused by oxidative stress (5).

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Protects Against Cancer

Perhaps the least known yet most important benefit of lycopene is its ability to help protect against cancer. This is largely due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative effects.

Lycopene’s strong antioxidant capacity neutralises free radicals and reduces oxidative stress. This can damage DNA and trigger mutations that lead to cancer. Chronic inflammation also fuels cancer progression. By lowering inflammatory markers such as NF-κB, IL-6, and TNF-α, lycopene creates a less favourable environment for tumour growth.

Lycopene also helps regulate normal cell cycles and growth, promoting apoptosis, or the natural death of damaged cells, which prevents the spread of abnormal or precancerous cells. It may also inhibit growth-promoting enzymes and cancer-related signalling pathways such as IGF-1 and mTOR, which are often overactive in cancer cells.

Additionally, lycopene enhances the activity of detoxifying enzymes in the liver and tissues, helping the body eliminate carcinogens more efficiently. This provides tissue-specific protection in areas like the prostate, lungs, stomach, and breasts, where lycopene can accumulate and counteract local oxidative stress (6).

It is important to note, however, that while lycopene can help reduce cancer risk, it is not a substitute for clinical cancer treatments.