Lycopene

From ArticleWorld

Lycopene is a red carotenoid pigment that is found in fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, watermelon and papaya. It is a strong antioxidant and is the carotenoid found most commonly in humans. On processing, lycopene is seen to be more readily available for intake. Use of lycopene is associated with reduced risks of diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease.

Structure

It is constructed from 8 isoprene units. Its color is caused by many carbon double bonds. These bonds reduce the energy required for electrons to move to higher energy states and allow absorption of visible light in shorter wavelengths. This causes the absorption of most of the visible spectrum and results in the red appearance. If this compound is oxidized the double bonds are broken which exist between the carbon atoms and this causes the colorful appearance to be adversely affected. The same also occurs if the structure is reduced. Reduction saturates double bonds thus affecting color as the ability to absorb light is lowered.

Food coloring

Lycopene has been approved for use as a food coloring. Lycopene is insoluble in water and thus very tightly bonded to the plant material. Cooking or food processing thus makes lycopene more available fro assimilation from the diet. Lycopene is also seen to stain porous materials. It stains plastic and is very difficult to remove. The use of bleach will however destroy lycopene and remove stains.