Live, Laugh, Love and Lycopene

Live, Laugh, Love & Lycopene

“ What do you mean you are craving pancakes? We are 10 miles in Tori I doubt we will find any pancakes here, you have odd cravings that’s for sure.” Rebekah jokingly responds to Tori. The afternoon sun has finally ascended directly over the two hiking that Saturday afternoon. The shrubs, bushes and trees shine with a rich tint of green and the smell of pine tickles both their senses.

Tori wrinkles her nose as she playfully mimics Rebekah’s response back to her. “Come on Bec, imagine digging your canines into a warm chocolate chip pancake with maple syrup right now, that sounds ultra deeliciouss!” Tori exclaims as she casually jumps over a few loose stones. The two continue their trek up the trail as they start ranting on and rating chocolate chip and blueberry pancakes. Tori has been looking forward to her routine monthly hikes with Rebekah. The two of them decided to make this 10-mile hike after graduating from high school and 10 years later they’ve both agreed that each hike feels like they are exploring this beautiful terrain for the first time. Beads of perspiration run down their backs and faces and their breathing begins to quicken in short shallow breaths. “Race you to the end of the trail?” The two make a run for the end of the embankment. Their hearts begin pounding in their ears, their breathing harmonizes as they inhale 3X and exhale 2X. The sound of their trainers pounding on and off of the ground sets a steady rhythm for their breathing. Sweat tickles their eyes shut as it begins to slide down their faces. They expand their chest to take in a rich and full breath; their heart beats to the sound of their shared music.

While exploring antioxidants I really enjoyed the many heart and health benefits of Lycopene. Lycopene is a carotenoid. A carotenoid originates from the family of pigments and gives some of our favorite fruits and vegetables it’s vibrant and beautiful colors. Lycopene is a potent antioxidant that aids in eliminating what I like to call villainous free radicals from the blood- these free radicals can potentially damage DNA and very fragile cell structures. One study finds free radicals are precursors for cancer-causing cells. Lycopene has been studied and discovered to have health benefits that reduce the formation of blood clots, which reduces the chance of ischemic strokes. Lycopene’s ability to reduce inflammation and bad cholesterol makes it a very attractive healthy snack. One glass of tomato juice a day is encouraged!