2023-07-02 07:06:32
The red pigment of watermelon and tomatoes…Health effects of lycopene
Input 2023.07.02 16:05 Hits 854 Input 2023.07.02 16:05 Hits 854 Watermelons consumed in Korea contain 30% more lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, than tomatoes. [사진=게티이미지뱅크]
How does cancer arise? Genes play a very important role. If the function of a gene that suppresses the formation of cancer cells in normal cells decreases, the possibility of cancer increases. Cancer occurs when genes that enable cancer cells to activate are activated. How do watermelons and tomatoes affect genes related to cancer?
◆ Red pigment of watermelon and tomato… Lycopene Health Effects
Lycopene is a red pigment found in tomatoes, watermelons, etc., and reduces the possibility of cancer due to its powerful antioxidant (inhibiting cell oxidation). Lycopene helps prevent and treat various cancers, including prostate cancer, by reducing substances that damage genes in the body. Lycopene is a type of powerful antioxidant that slows down the damage and aging of the body.
◆ What is the lycopene content of watermelon? Which cancers are on the rise in Korea?
Watermelons from Korea contain 4.1mg/100g of lycopene, which is 30% more than tomatoes (3.2 mg/100g) (data from the National Institute of Agricultural Sciences). Diet and nutrition are closely related to prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is more common in the West than in Asia, where fat accounts for a larger percentage of energy intake. However, prostate cancer is also increasing in Korea as animal fat intake increases. In 2020 alone, 16,815 prostate cancer patients occurred.
◆ Why is watermelon good for preventing and relieving various types of inflammation?
Watermelon contains citrulline amino acid, an intermediate metabolite in the process of metabolizing urea, which helps urea synthesis in the body. It promotes diuretic action and contributes to the prevention and relief of various inflammations such as edema, nephritis, cystitis, and urethritis. It is also effective in regulating blood pressure and high fever. As citrulline is digested in the body, it turns into arginine and increases nitric oxide to help relax blood vessels.
◆ Worried about blood sugar?… Highest protein content among seeds
Watermelon has a high blood sugar level (GI) of 72, which measures how quickly it raises blood sugar. Nowadays, glycemic load (GL), which measures the amount of food eaten at one time, in addition to the glycemic index (GI), is recommended as a food selection standard for diabetic patients. Watermelon has a low GL of 4, but overeating is prohibited. It is suitable to eat two slices that are thinly sliced about the size of the palm of your hand. People with kidney problems should also be careful of potassium-rich watermelon. There is no need to spit out the watermelon seeds. Its protein content is the highest among seeds (30%), much higher than sunflower seeds, peanuts, and pine nuts.
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#Effects #watermelon #inflammation #genes #tomatoes