Difference Between Lycopene and Beta Carotene

They are more orangish-coloured and do not contain oxygen in their structure. Examples: lycopene and beta carotene. Beta carotene is reddish-orange carotene found in carrots, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes. It is a forerunner or the starting link of the formation of Vitamin A (retinol), which is essential for vision and the maintenance of heart health and kidneys. It is found in abundance in green leaves and is available as a supplement/multivitamin medicine too.

Carotene is an orange-red hydrocarbon which the plants can synthesize, and they are photosynthetic pigments themselves. They do not contain any oxygen atoms. They absorb ultraviolet, blue, and violet but scatter orange, red and yellow, so we see the bright colours of fruits and vegetables. An interesting fact is that Flamingos in Tanzania are of pink colour, and it is due to astaxanthin (a carotenoid) as they consume saltwater shrimp which is their constant diet.

Our body converts beta carotene into Vitamin A, which repairs damaged hair and is essential for good vision and a healthy heart, lungs, and kidneys. Consumption of foods rich in antioxidants lower the risk of cancer. Red Bananas provide the maximum beta carotene of other banana varieties.

Beta Carotene

Beta carotene performs the function of collection and transportation of light for chlorophyll absorption and helps in the absorption of excess energy during photosynthesis. It also helps in making the secondary structure of chloroplast.

Beta Carotene Structure

Beta carotene comprises eight isoprene units, and its molecular formula is C₄₀H₅₆. Its molecule has rings at both ends, hence the prefix beta carotene.

Beta Carotene

What is Lycopene?

It's a bright red hydrocarbon and a carotene only but lacking in any vitamin A activity. It is an essential part of the daily diet as it acts as a forerunner for the formation of beta carotene. Lycopene is largely found in tomatoes and serves as an antioxidant to help the body fight free radicals. It combats high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cancer etc.

It is only unsafe to consume during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It's a natural blood thinner and prevents the clotting of blood. Fat-soluble gets absorbed easily in the body, and besides providing the bright red pigment, it’s known as non-pro vitamin A in the body, having a high antioxidant activity.

Lycopene Formula

Lycopene has the formula C₄₀H₅₆. It has non-conjugated double bonds also in its structure and does not possess rings like beta carotene at the terminal. Lycopene is a well-known tetraterpene under the terpene classification.

Lycopene Structure

Chemically it is a tetraterpene constituting eight isoprene units. Its thirteen double bonds give it a bright red-coloured appearance. It has the molecular formula C₄₀H₅₆. It is a bright red hydrocarbon.

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Lycopene

Types of Carotenoids

Carotenoids are plant pigments which supply bright red-orange and yellow vegetables. The provitamin A carotenoid has powerful antioxidants in it. They are produced by plants, photosynthetic bacteria, and algae. Beta carotene is derived from the Latin name Carrot.

Carotenoids are classified into two categories:

• Xanthophylls - They have more of a golden yellow hue and contain oxygen in their structure. Examples: Lutein and Zeaxanthin.

• Carotenes – They are orange-coloured and contain oxygen in their structure. Examples: Lycopene and Beta carotene.

Interesting Fact

• Both lycopene and beta carotene are two of 600 types of carotenoids known to us.

Important Questions

1. What are the health benefits of lycopene?

Ans. Lycopene is that natural compound which is found from pizza sauce to ketchup and in watermelon and grapefruit, it's a chemical known as carotenoid which imparts the natural pigment to plants, fruits and vegetables.Tomatoes are the richest source of this nutrient. Lycopene is known as an antioxidant of the carotenoid family which protects from free radicals and oxidative stress in our bodies. It has been studied on animals that Lycopene may protect against damage caused by pesticides, glutamate and certain types of poisonous fungi.

2. Are there health benefits arising from intake of Lycopene for men especially?

Ans. According to WHO, 10 to 15% of couples suffer from infertility worldwide and the cause is male infertility. Lycopene supplement intake has shown positive results in treatment of infertility amongst men. The most top at the list of cancer for men is prostate cancer, studies have shown that patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia if given a dosage of 15 mg per day of Lycopene for six months, a good response is shown then and urinary function is improved too.

Key Features of Difference Between Lycopene and Beta Carotene

• The more vibrant the colour of fruit or vegetable, the more beta carotene it contains.

• Beta carotene is an antioxidant that protects damaging cells called free radicals through oxidation.

• Lycopene is fat-soluble and gets absorbed easily in the body.