So what is Lycopene you ask? It is a carotenoid carotenoids are naturally found in a large variety of vegetables) that is found in red fruits. Tomatoes have a huge amount and I mean huge. They are the clear cut winner in that category. You’ll also get some in watermelons, pink grapefruit and even guava but not as much.
It is also very high in antioxidants, and as you know they fight free radicals that can damage cells in your body. Eating foods high in lycopene can be beneficial in supporting heart health and warding of heart disease in women. It can help protect against colon and rectal cancer. Lycopene is huge in the importance of prostate health, that’s why it’s essential for men to get their daily intake whether its from tomato products or supplements.
Since it is fat soluble, in order for it to be absorbed into the body it should be taken with some fat. So make it part of your meal, if your having a salad, add a little olive oil to your dressing, don’t use any of that “no fat” stuff, that’s not really good for you anyways. Slice up some fresh vine ripe tomatoes on a plate, add a little olive oil and vinegar and voila!……a refreshing and nutritious side dish.
We know that fresh tomatoes have an abundance of lycopene in them, but cooked tomato products such as salsa, tomato and pizza sauce, paste, tomato soup, canned tomatoes and ketchup, are more concentrated and may be better absorbed in the body. If your not crazy about tomatoes and tomato products, try the supplements. They come in a variety of forms, tablets or soft gels. The amount that you would need to take daily is somewhere around 6.5 mg to benefit from it.
It is still being researched for all of its positive benefits and is proving to be very promising. I think all of us would agree a diet with a lot of fruit and vegetables is part of a healthy lifestyle.
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