Lycopene
Definition
Lycopene is a red carotenoid pigment found in tomatoes, watermelon, pink grapefruit, and a number of other (though not all) red fruits and vegetables. Lycopene is approved as a natural food dye.
Health considerations
Lycopene intake above 25mg a day is associated with cholesterol lowering effects. A number of studies associate lycopene levels within the body with reduced cancer risks, including cervical and breast cancer. Lycopene has been proposed as a preventive agent in the development of prostate cancer, though evidence from human studies has not yet been conclusive.
Keep in mind
Lycopene is more available for absorption in heat-processed tomato products as well as when served with a fat source.
May be found in
Tomato, tomato sauce, tomato ketchup, tomato paste, tomato juice, watermelon, pink grapefruit, red carrots, papaya, pink guava, rosehip puree, gac, apricot, Cara cara citrus, asparagus
References
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