MEN, Mind Your HEALTH Now!!

 

In the quest to strive for the best, majority of the men ignore their most important asset – HEALTH. Statistically, men die younger than women do. A recent national survey found that women are far more likely than men to get routine preventive care. In part because women tend to seek regular medical attention arising from issues like birth control and pregnancy, and to get screening tests like Pap smears and mammograms.






Owing to their neglects, men are susceptible to chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, stroke, pulmonary disease, kidney disease, Alzheimer’s disease. In general, men have poorer health and thus medical professionals are now targeting on males to mind their Health now!

The risk of being a MAN. 4 major concerns:

1. Aging and Andropause


Many men are not aware their bodies are undergoing silent changes on the journey downhill around the age of 45 because is not easy to spot warning signals. Like his other sex counterpart, menopause also strikes men and the term used is andropause.


Women usually treat irregular or no menstruation as an indicator of the beginning of menopause. A noted difference between them is females do not have any more protection from female hormones whilst men continue to enjoy declining level of androgen in the body till their golden age.


During andropause, he starts to witness a decline in vitality and virility due to falling hormone level, especially those of testosterone - the male hormone responsible for his good health, sex drive and fertility. The severity varies from one man to another. Once recognised, most men treat menopausal symptoms as a sign of aging and do nothing to alleviate the condition.


Symptoms

Symptoms experienced from ages 40-49 is estimated between 2-5%, rises to 6-30% for ages 50 -59, further rises to 20-45% for ages 60-69 and 34-70% for ages 70-79, and virtually all men over 80. For the younger counterparts, they are usually the busy executives who burn out the fastest due to stress or those who are unable to cope with stress well.

+ Men start to experience ebbing sex drive and can develop into impotency. He gets frustration in obtaining and sustaining an erection. However, if his spouse is also undergoing mid-life crisis, both may abstain from sex activity and this problem becomes less of a psychological burden.

+ More worrying is that he may develop chronic illnesses like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis (more fractures and breaks) and prostate enlargement (urinary problems). With mounting problems, he may feel there is a lack of interest in life, get exhausted easily, depressed and develop insomnia.

+ A decrease in lean body mass, along with decreases in muscle mass and strength. This can result in an increase in fat surrounding the internal organs, which increases the risk of heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

+ A decrease in body hair. To assess for hypogonadism, which is in part the clinical basis, the doctor will check for physical signs in men including hair loss particularly in the armpit and genitalia.

+ In the andropausal years the mind becomes less sharp and nimble. The older male becomes less swift in mental calculations and his judgment is not as accurate as before. Memory loss can be accelerating too.


+  He may suffer mood swings, irritability and depression.

It is important to remember that not all of these symptoms need to be present to identify andropause. Also, it is important to remember that symptoms do not all appear to the same degree in all men. Some men may suffer from only one or two of these symptoms and at varying degrees.


In the long term, testosterone deficiency may result in an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and more chronic diseases.


What to do?

 +  Testosterone replacement therapy for andropause may be of help to some men. Treatment goals include restoration of sexual functioning, increased libido, increased sense of well-being, prevention of osteoporosis by optimizing bone density, restoration of muscle strength and improved mental functioning. Biochemically, testosterone replacement should aim not only to reach normal levels of serum testosterone. However, men with a history of prostate cancer or breast cancer should avoid such treatment as the testosterone can make both of these hormonally sensitive cancers grow more rapidly. Other negative effects may include fluid retention, liver toxicity, fertility problem, sleep apnea, tender or breast enlargement.

+  All but one of the hormone levels drop as we age. Cortisone, the stress hormone is the only one that increases. Fortunately, regular exercise can counteract cortisone and stress.

+  Getting older does not have to mean gaining those extra pounds. Instead, work around to keep the weight off and being smart about it. With lesser muscle mass in the fifties, lesser calories are required. Thus, you cannot afford to eat like in your twenties and expect not to put on weight. Keep to a balanced diet of 200 fewer calories a day unless you work out consistently combining aerobic and cardiac exercises. Also watch your diet: no excessive alcohol; avoid cholesterol food, processed food and sugars.

+  The best way is for men to take responsibility and face all the challenges. Most importantly, changing his lifestyle to staying fit, be positive thinking and look at some good anti-aging products to help in reversing the biological clock.


+  Some researches indicate that free form amino acids from soy and rice protein can help to stimulate the production of HGH. Also, they aid in improving immune function, vision and sustain youthfulness.




2.  Prostate Enlargement

Although Asian men have the lowest incident and mortality rates of prostate cancer in the world, the figure is rising rapidly in the past two decades. Singapore sees an increase of 118% from 6.6 to 14.4 per 100,000 person years, whilst Japan rose by 102%.

Prostate Gland

It is part of the male reproductive organ, which is located right in front of the rectum and under the bladder. It secretes a slightly alkaline fluid that carries, nourishes and transports sperm.

The prostate goes through two periods of growth. The first growth happens during early puberty, growing from pea size to walnut size. At mid or late 30s, the prostate cells start to reproduce more rapidly, resulting in prostate gland enlargement or BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperlasia). The enlarged tissues are often compressed to the urethra and partially block urine flow. Besides, the wall of the bladder becomes thicker and irritable. It begins to contract even when it contains small amount of urine causing more frequent urination. Inability to empty the bladder can interfere with sleep, cause recurrent infection or result in kidney damage. About half of the men in their 50s experience varying degree of prostate problem rendering them to more frequent urinating, has a strong urge to urinate, dribbling or a feeling of not being able to empty the bladder fully.

BPH can prolong till later part in life. Half of the male population suffers from some BPH symptoms. Hence it is advisable to include PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) test and rectum examination in your routine body checkup.

Recommendation:

+ Taking phytosterois-rich foods such as saw palmetto, pumpkin seed, pygeum and wheat germ to aid men with BPH.
+ Tomato concentrates are rich in antioxidants and contains lycopene with abundant carotenoids present. (note tomato must be boiled to derive this substance). A Harvard research study confirms that lycopene plays a vital role in health of the prostate and promotes healthy urinary system.
+ Scientists also suggest taking soya to prevent prostate cancer and going bald. It is found that the digestion of soya causes a molecule called equol to be produced in the intestine. This substance blocks the functioning of the male hormone DHT, a byproduct of testosterone that encourages prostate growth. This explains why Japanese men who eat more soya rarely have prostate cancer.
+ Vitamin E is also believed to reduce the chance of prostate risk. The best absorbed form of alpha tocopherol is found in foods like sunflower seeds, spinach, almonds and sweet peppers.
+ An interesting finding that men who ejaculate regularly – 13 to 20 times a month is less prone too.

3. Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

Impotence means that a man’s penis does not get hard enough to maintain an erection in sexual intercourse. The medical term - erectile dysfunction is different from premature ejaculation where ejaculating takes place within a minute after initiation of intercourse.

Causes

1) Vascular (blood vessel) disease – Most men with impotent problem has this defect. The amount of blood flowing to or remains in the penis is limited and thus hinders erection. This can be due to blood vessels being damaged by hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) or trauma.

2) Nerve damage (neuropathy) – Nerves must be working normally for a man to get and keep an erection. Nerves can be damaged by diabetes, multiple sclerosis, prostate surgery or damage to the spinal cord.

3) Psychological factors – Psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, guilt or fear can contribute to sexual problems affecting mostly young men. If they do not overcome their embarrassment or “performance anxiety” this physical problem can worsen their relationship problems and affect self-esteem, and could be a sign of underlying health problems.

4) Medications – Many medications cause problems with sexual function, including drugs for high blood pressure, depression, heart disease and prostate cancer.

5) Hormonal problems – Rarely a cause, abnormal levels of certain hormones, such as testosterone, thyroid hormone and a pituitary hormone known as prolactin, can interfere with erections and sex drive.

Remedies for Impotence

a) Ginseng: It has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine as a male sexual tonic as its phytochemicals are believed to increase stamina, lessen fatigue and improve overall well-being. Another study done in the West concluded that an extract from ginseng known as ginsenosides enhances the effects of nitric oxide which helps to relax blood vessels in the penis for greater blood flow, and thus an improved erection.
b) L-Arginine: It is an essential amino acid known to bolster the immune system and increase human growth hormones. With the amount of nitric oxide boosted, blood vessels are dilated to enable an erection.

c) Gingko Biloba: Traditional Chinese medicine has been using it to boost oxygen supply. When more blood penetrates the tiny capillaries in the penis that may be starved off oxygen and nutrients, the blood vessels are able to dilate to produce an erection.
d) Co-enzyme Q10:  This can be used to increase significantly seminal plasma and sperm cells in infertile men with a disorder of sperm motility. It also provides the body with necessary energy and effectively neutralises free radicals in the body to reduce the oxidation damaging the cells, which in turn triggers increased libido and sexual stimulation.
e) Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine): It assists in the processing of amino acids, which are responsible for the creation of some hormones (eg. testosterone) and formation of neurotransmitters that affect mood and enhance sexual stimulation.
f) Vitamin B3 (niacin): It increases blood circulation and is involved in the synthesis of sex hormones.

(4) Cancer and Diabetes

Cancer is the second killer disease in Singapore accounting for 25% of all deaths after cardiovascular disease and stroke (36%). Men has higher chance of dying from cancer especially lung cancer (1 out 5) caused by smoking. Carbon monoxide from tobacco smoking can dramatically reduce hemoglobin’s ability to transport oxygen. Vitamin B aids in hemoglobin reproduction can help to recover partial loss.

About 10% of the adult population in Singapore has diabetes. It claims victims predominately over 40 years old. Possible complications of type 2 diabetes include cardiovascular disease, blindness, nerve damage and kidney damage.

Recommendations:

Prevention is more than cure

As our body are filled with cancer cells waiting to explode, taking lots of antioxidants help to suppress their breakouts. Foods and supplements containing Vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene), C, E and selenium can help to fight free radicals synergistically and offer optimal cell protection. They reduce the amount of free radicals in our body caused by air pollution, chemical substances, exposure to UV radiation, cigarette etc. At the same time, they enhance respiratory functions, improve allergic and asthmatic condition and prevent the onslaught of degenerative diseases like heart disease, diabetes, cancers and premature aging of various bodily organs.

Conclusion

Health is not merely the absence of diseases but a lifestyle as well. Being able to at least maintain the level of activity they are used to, both physically and mentally, is one of the key objectives of many men in any age group.

Look for best known alternative to drugs or surgery by taking right foods and supplements as early as possible in your life. They are the best natural medicine for the body.


Other than adopting an appropriate diet, other lifestyle changes like losing weight, regular exercise, reducing alcohol intake and managing stress are crucial for healthy living.

Viva corner

(1) Scientists at VIVA Life Science have specially designed this product VIVA PROSMETT to cater to the need of the men’s urinary system. It is a formulation of multiple botanical and herbal concentrated extract to produce synergistic effects. Ingredients include (as discussed in text above): saw palmetto, pumpkin seeds, stinging nettle root, pygeum bark, soy bean (containing beta sitosterol and soy isoflavones), lycopene from tomato, rice bran powder, wheat germ powder, burdock root powder, carrot, broccoli and kelp. Another ingredient zinc is essential for proper functioning of the immune and endocrine systems. Note that the prostate gland has high amount of zinc and thus a deficiency can cause a significant drop of testosterone levels in the blood.

(2) VIVA AGEGUARD provides free form amino acids that acts as natural human growth hormone (HGH) releaser to enable a youthful level of testosterone to maintain for prevention of muscle mass loss, wrinkles and hair loss. It can also improve vitality, enhance lean muscle mass in the body, improve memory, strengthen heart function and promote youthfulness.

(3) VIVASHIELD with a combination of 4 potent antioxidants to protect against free radical attacks which may cause cancer.


(4)  VIVA LIQUICK GINGKO is well documented to improve the peripheral blood circulation and impotence.

(5)  VIVA B-EASY is a Vitamin B complex that can relieve stress, fatigue as well as prevent anxiety and depression.

Guys! Check your prostate

Gentlemen, if trips to the restroom require sudden dashes or are marked by difficulty urinating, your prostate may be enlarged.


The prostate gland commonly becomes larger in older men in their mid-life termed benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Even though it can cause problems with passing urine, symptoms are often mild. Without treatment, the condition may not deteriorate and improve over time instead. However, if symptoms become troublesome or distressing, a medical review is necessary. You can determine the severity of the condition by conducting a self-examination as follows:

	Not at all	Less than 1 time in 5	Less than half the time	About half the time	More than half the time	Almost always	Your score
Incomplete emptying Over the past month, how often have you had a sensation of not emptying your bladder completely after you finish urinating?	0	1	2	3	4	5
Frequency Over the past month, how often have you had to urinate again less than two hours after you finished urinating?	0	1	2	3	4	5
Intermittency Over the past month, how often have you found you stopped and started again several times when you urinated?	0	1	2	3	4	5
Urgency Over the last month, how difficult have you found it to postpone urination?	0	1	2	3	4	5
Weak stream Over the past month, how often have you had a weak urinary stream?	0	1	2	3	4	5
Straining Over the past month, how often have you had to push or strain to begin urination?	0	1	2	3	4	5
	None	1 time	2 times	3 times	4 times	5 times or more	Your score
Nocturia Over the past month, how many times did you most typically get up to urinate from the time you went to bed until the time you got up in the morning?	0	1	2	3	4	5
Total IPSS score (see recommendations below)

Basically the signs of any trouble brewing below:

• A frequent and urgent need to urinate. Is common to get up many times a night to go to the bathroom
• Trouble starting a urine stream. Even with an urge, may find it hard to start urinating
• A weak stream of urine
• A small amount of urine each time
• The feeling that you still have to go, even when you have just finished urinating
• Leaking or dribbling urine
• Small amounts of blood in your urine

What is happening under?

The prostate is part of a man’s sex organs. At birth, a boy’s prostate gland is about the size of a pea. It is about the size of a walnut fully developed by age 25 and surrounds the tube called the urethra, located just below the bladder. Its job is to produce fluid that protects and nourishes sperm cells in semen.

 

The urethra has two functions: to carry urine from the bladder when you urinate and to carry semen during a sexual climax or ejaculation.

Prostatitis refers to the condition where the prostate is inflamed or irritated, causing a burning feeling when urinating and with increased frequency. There may also be a fever or extreme fatigue. Like any inflammation, it is usually a sign that the body is fighting germs or repairing an injury. If prostatitis is caused by bacteria, tiny organisms can be seen through a microscope in a sample of your urine. Often an antibiotic or a medicine that kills bacteria is prescribed.


More worrying is prostate enlargement or BPH where an expanding prostate is caused by changes in hormone balance and cell-growth factors. As it grows, it squeezes the urethra. Since urine travels from the bladder through the urethra, the pressure from the enlarged prostate may affect bladder control. With the bladder weakens and loses the ability to empty itself, urine may stay on for too long to cause urinary tract infection, bladder or kidney damage, bladder stones and on continence.

Medical detection and Diagnosis


Men with such problem normally refuse to seek medical treatment due to the embarrassment and misunderstanding that it may affect their sexual life. Take note that you are not alone. The Urology Care Foundation estimates that 50% of men in their 50s are sharing a similar fate. Seek early treatment before the condition worsens. Three tests commonly conducted are:

1. Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) - This test checks for protein released by the prostate gland with safe range below 4 ng/mL and higher readings evidenced in benign prostate enlargement or inflammation of the prostate.

2. Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) - The doctor feels the texture of the prostate gland with a finger gently placed in the back passage or rectum. Prostate cancer can cause abnormal nodules to form on the wall of the prostate.

3. Prostate therapy - An ultrasound guided biopsy is performed to obtain tissue samples from the prostate performed under local anesthesia before sending to the laboratory for microscopic examination.

How is BPH treated?

Several treatments are available -

• Watchful waiting. If your symptoms do not bother you too much, you may choose to live with them rather than take pills daily or have surgery. However, monitor closely and go for regular checkups to ensure your condition does not deteriorate. These steps may help you manage mild symptoms:

        ++ Do pelvic-strengthening exercises.
        ++ Stay active.
        ++ Decrease alcohol and caffeine intake.
        ++ Space out how much you drink rather than drinking a lot at once.
        ++ Urinate when the urge strikes — don’t wait.
        ++ Avoid decongestants and antihistamines.

• Drugs. The most common type of medications are called alpha-blockers. This class of medications works by relaxing the bladder neck muscles and the muscle fibers in the prostate. The muscle relaxation makes it easier to urinate. You can expect an increase in urine flow and a less frequent need to urinate within a day or two if you take an alpha blocker for BPH.
• Nonsurgical procedures. For severe condition, where the urethra is totally blocked and the patient cannot urinate or bad urinary tract problem like infection, bladder stones and kidney failure, a more established procedure known as transurethral resection of the prostate (Turp) needs to be performed. It involves inserting thin tubes charged with an electrical current through the urethra to the area where the prostate meets the bladder to scrape out the swollen parts of the prostate around it. With the bladder muscles relaxing, urine can flow out of the bladder easier. A gel may be applied to the urethra to prevent pain or discomfort. You do not need drugs to enable you to sleep. Long-term medication is available but does not always work and has side effects such as decreased libido and enlarged breasts.
• Surgery is the last option in complicated cases of a very enlarged prostate, difficulty in urinating, having a partial blockage in their urethra that causes repeated urinary tract infections, bladder stones or damage, or those who have kidney damage. Such operation involves removing only the portion of the prostate blocking urine flow. Surgery for BPH may have a temporary effect on sexual function. However, most men recover complete sexual function within a year after surgery. The exact length of time depends on how long you had symptoms before surgery was done and on the type of surgery. After the surgery, some men find that semen is not released from the penis during orgasm. Instead, it flows back into the bladder. In some cases, this condition can be treated with a drug that helps keep the bladder closed. A doctor who specializes in fertility problems may be able to help if backwards ejaculation causes a problem for a couple trying to get pregnant. Erection problems and loss of bladder control can be treated, and chances are good if medical help is sought.
• Hormonal therapy - Androgens, such as testosterone, are primarily made by the testes and a small fraction is produced by the adrenal glands (located above the kidneys). These hormones are responsible for the development and function of the male sexual organs and distinct male characteristics. Anti-androgens are prescribed for patients undergoing surgical and chemo treatment to disable the hormone from fueling the growth of abnormal cell growth.

PROSTATE CANCER
 
In recent years, prostate cancer is fast becoming the top cancer killer in the world amongst the male population, after colorectal and lung cancer. The incidence of prostate cancer increases substantially with age above 50 years as can be seen from statistics collected:

Age	Incidence of prostate cancer
<40	1 in 10,000 men
40-59	1 in 38 men
60-69	1 in 14 men

In many cases, multiple factors may be involved, including adopting sedentary lifestyle, genetics and exposure to environmental toxins such as certain chemicals or radiation. Men with diet high in animal fat and low in soya products are vulnerable. There is also evidence that vitamin D deficiency may increase risk for prostate cancer.

Signs and Symptoms

 

+  Trouble passing urine (frequent urination especially at night, painful urination and difficulty starting and maintaining a steady stream of urine)

+ Blood present in the urine or semen

+ General pain or discomfort in the pelvic area, lower back, hips or thighs, as cancer has spread to bones

+  Weakness or numbness in the legs or feet, even loss of bladder or bowel control from cancer pressing on the spinal cord

+ Erectile dysfunction


Treatment options


Mutations in the DNA lead to the growth of cells in the prostate to start growing uncontrollably and abnormally. The cancer can take the form of a benign growth that does not cause any problems throughout one's lifetime or malignant tumor that turns aggressive and invades other parts of the body.











After diagnosis of prostate cancer, additional tests are required to find out if cancer cells are confined to the prostate or have spread to other regions in the body. This is achieved by bone scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

The decision on the choice of treatment also depends on the profile of the patient and the aggressiveness of the cancer. As signs and symptoms of prostate cancer tend to show up late, it may be already in the advanced stage upon first detection.

+ In patients where prostate cancer is involving other organs and where medical care is not possible, they are prescribed hormonal therapy to control symptoms and improve quality of life.

+  As the male sex hormone testosterone fuels the growth of prostate cancer cells, removing it will result in tumor cells not being able to survive. For those with severe cancer profile and in good health, surgical procedure may necessitate the removal of prostate, both testes, surrounding tissue and seminal vesicles. In some instances, the pelvic lymph nodes around the prostate gland may also be removed. Usually a 15cm incision below the navel in the midline of the abdomen is performed.

+ Radiation therapy entails the use of high energy X-rays to kill cancer cells. Hormonal therapy is usually applied at the same time.

+ Chemotherapy therapy is usually given to patients with advanced cancer not responsive to hormonal treatment. This modality involves drugs used to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing or stopping them from dividing.

+ In more advanced stage, highly potent drugs have to be prescribed when conventional treatment like chemotherapy and hormonal therapy are no longer effective.

+  Vaccine therapy and bone-directed therapies may also be necessary for some patients.

For all the above treatment options be prepared to endure discomfort and pain from complications.

The Natural Way to Solve Prostate Problem

Recent study from a German medical team shows that men who subject themselves to repeated biopsies to diagnose prostate cancer could suffer from temporary erectile dysfunction (side effect decreases with time) and in some cases, lingering problems with urination, such as straining to pass urine and frequent night-time trips to the toilet.

Taking more samples during the biopsy should increase the chances of finding any tumor. However, all those needle sticks may come with a cost due to the damage to the "neurovascular bundle" a maze of nerves and blood vessels close to the prostate.

There are a number of well-controlled clinical studies that confirm the safe and effective use of saw palmetto for the treatment of BPH. Saw palmetto extracts can reduce the activity of 5-alpha-reductase by about 40%, and hence reduce the uptake of dihydrotestosterone by the prostate gland. The active substances in saw palmetto berries, such as the phytosterols, provide beneficial effects such as increased urinary flow, increased ease in commencing urination, reduced post-voiding residual volume, decreased frequency of urination, and a decreased urge to void during the night. While saw palmetto effectively diminishes the symptoms of BPH, it appears to act without reducing the size of the prostate.

Experiments have shown that men with an enlarged prostate who received an extract of saw palmetto for 30 days experienced 45% less nocturnal trips to the bathroom, a 50% increase in urinary flow rates, diminished residual urinary volume, and less pain during urination. After three months 90% of the patients reported much lesser problems with no side effects.

Our comments

Making dietary changes and regular exercises may slow the progress of prostate disorders. Men should increase the intake of vitamins and minerals from whole food, such as flaxseed, tomato and soybean. Low fat and high fiber diet are no longer important to just women, but also men. Beside, health authorities should educate public on the importance of healthy prostate and encourage them to be brave when faced with such 'embarrassing' issue.

Scoring & VIVA Recommendations

Total Score	Severity	ProsmettTM
0 - 7	Mild or no symptoms	1 capsule twice daily after meal (Preventive dosage)
8 - 19	Moderate	2 capsules twice daily after meal
20 - 35	Severe	3 capsules twice daily after meal

It is recommended that all adults men especially those above 40 years old to take preventive dosage of VIVA Prosmett even without any symptoms. It contains natural bioactive botanical and herbal compounds like saw palmetto extract, pygeum bark extract, tomato extracts, wheat germ powder that are widely recognised to exert protective effects within the prostrate gland and urinary system. Other ingredients include:

Beta-sitosterol (found in soybean) naturally inhibits the production of DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a hormone which stimulates enlargement of the prostate

Pumpkin seed extract inhibits production of testosterone, a hormone which contributes to an enlarged prostate

Red clover extract helps decrease total prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a protein produced by the cells of the prostate gland that is often elevated in the presence of prostate disorders

Green tea extract reduces oxidative DNA damage and inflammation  

Antioxidant vitamins A and E, and trace minerals selenium and zinc fight against free radicals and maintain proper functioning of the prostate.

Phytonutrients such as tomato lycopene have high antioxidant activity and supports healthy PSA levels.

For prostate cancer, viva products to consider - germanium, selguard, vivashield, oxypower, dailyguard, floraguard, greem barley, Omega 3.

Cook your tomatoes

Lycopene is a carotenoid (same family as beta-carotene) and phytochemical that gives a reddish hue to food such as tomatoes, red peppers, watermelons and papayas. Our body cannot produce this substance, only plants and microorganisms can synthesize it.

Basically, it is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect our cells from radical damage, causing major illnesses like atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, cancer and macula degeneration.

Health Benefits

+ A study conducted found that men with high levels of lycopene in their fatty tissues had a 55% reduced risk of heart disease. Cardiac patients experience reduction in the incidence of strokes with high intake. It has the ability to prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, inhibit platelet aggregation and reduce inflammation.

+ In a 1995 Harvard University study conducted with 47,894 men, it was found that those who ate tomato products more than twice per week had a 21-34% reduced risk of prostate cancer. The risk is further reduced to 45% for those who ate 10 servings or more per week.

+ Women with high levels of lycopene have a 5 times lower rate of cervical cancer than those with the lowest levels.

+ Lycopene has been shown to have a protective effect against stomach, colon, lung and skin cancers. Taking in the morning it aids digestion and improves metabolism. However, taking during dinner can cause stomach swelling. 

+ In cosmetic products, Vitamin C is highly recommended for assisting in the repair and protection of the human skin. New study has found that daily intake of lycopene can result in a 30% increase of the ability of their skin to withstand UV radiation damage from sun exposure. As it degrades easily, it is important to keep the container properly sealed between uses.

Source

Lycopene is usually derived from tomatoes and tomato products. As lycopene is enclosed in the tissue and only that portion present is absorbed more can be extracted when pressed into juice, sauce, paste or ketchup. This process breaks down the cell walls of the tomato and releases abundance of lycopene. For example, one ripe tomato contains 4 mg of lycopene whilst a cup of tomato soup has 25 mg equivalent. A disadvantage is that the structure of lycopene is altered by the temperature changes involved in processing.

Oven-roasted potatoes topped with ketchup is great but not the unhealthy french fries. For quenching thirst, reach out for tomato juice for a worthy choice.

Eating tomato products with oil enables the lycopene to be more readily absorbed by the body given its fat-soluble (as are vitamins, A, D, E and beta-carotene) nature. Thus, topping a tomato salad with a little olive oil is a great way to increase its bioavailability.

Though food sources are deemed to be safe, lycopene can also be obtained in supplemental form either as tablets or capsules. Other nutrients may be added to the formula for better antioxidant benefits.

Caution

+ So far, maximum dose limit is not established and there are no reported incidence of toxicity from taking too much lycopene. As a safety guideline, daily intake of around 15 mg in total should be tolerable. Over the limit can cause upset and stomach side effects such as heartburn, nausea, vomiting, abdominal bloating, cramping or pain in conjunction with bowel movement changes. The side effects from an allergic reaction in any quantity can be hives, itching, bad rashes and chest pains.

+ There may be indirect problems caused by excessive consumption of tomatoes or commercially-prepared tomato products. Tomatoes have been strongly linked to certain forms of arthritis, especially rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. For gout patients, their low pH can pose a potential trigger food because as the existing crystals dissolve, a gout attack is triggered. As for processed tomato products, the high sodium content usually poses a problem for high blood pressure.

+ A diet overloads in lycopene may be counterproductive for the health. The immune system can be compromised, disengaging your body to fight infections and be able to repair itself. Illnesses and diseases that include any fevers or inflammation may not be able to fix with too much lycopene consumed daily, in very high doses over extended period.

+ Eating rich, red fruit and vegetables that contain high doses of lycopene can also turn your skin a pasty orange color over time. To cure such side effects, simply reduce or stop your intake of lycopene for time being.

+ Antioxidant supplements like lycopene may interfere with radiation and chemotherapy treatments. Even though studies have not been done in humans, antioxidants are known to clean up free radicals, which could interfere with one of the methods by which chemotherapy and radiation destroy cancer cells.

Our comments

By simply changing to a healthier diet, you are on the road to improving your overall health condition. Forgo your fast food for some fresh watermelon, delicious guava, crunchy carrot sticks and some tomato paste on your favorite biscuit/cracker for snacks. Eating a meal with tomato-based food is enough to gain all the benefits mentioned above.

BONUS!!!

*  Acne?

Tomatoes have a lot of vitamins A and C, antioxidants and acidic content, effectively in treating a host of minor skin ailments, especially oily skin problem. Mash one small tomato into a pulp, then spread the pulp on your face and let it sit for one hour. Wash it off with tepid water and pat dry. Repeat once a day for a week to see result.

*  Cramp legs?

Cramp legs can be due to potassium deficiencies, which occurs when this mineral is flushed out by diuretics, caffeinated beverages or heavy perspiration during exercise. By sipping 10 ounces of potassium-rich tomato juice daily, you are on the road to speedy recovery and lower risk of painful cramp flare-ups in as little as 10 days, say UCLA researchers.

Source: http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/healthy-eating/what-is-lycopene.html

VIVA corner

VIVA Prosmett contains natural bioactive botanical and herbal compounds like saw palmetto extract, pumpkin seeds extract, pygeum bark extract, tomato extracts, wheat germ powder that are widely recognised to exert protective effects within the prostrate gland and urinary system. Having a formulation of multiple botanical and herbal concentrated extract is essential to produce synergistic effects that deliver more effective result for an overall well-being.