antioxidant · for chronic inflammation
Lycopene
A strong antioxidant. Less oxidative stress is thought to mean less inflammatory signalling.
Say that in clinical terms
Lycopene is a potent antioxidant carotenoid that quenches reactive oxygen species; less oxidative stress is hypothesized to reduce the signaling that drives some inflammatory cytokines.
How strong is the research?
Mixed evidence
Two months improved blood vessel function but left blood pressure, stiffness and cholesterol unchanged.
4 papers read, 3 supporting, 1 against.
Tested as: ranges from 7 mg/day supplement for 2 months, to whole-diet interventions providing roughly 32-50 mg/day (224-350 mg/week) for weeks, in healthy or moderately overweight middle-aged adults and in cardiovascular-disease patients
How much to take
7–50 mg