Lycopene is a red pigment that is found in some red fruits and vegetable, such as watermelon, tomatoes, red carrots and papayas. This Lycopene pigment belongs to the carotenoid family of pigments and is a common part of most people’s diets.
The lovely thing about that is that lycopene is a highly potent antioxidant and is the main carotenoid found in the tissues of the body. Lycopene may also have benefits in heart health according to some studies.
Antioxidants like lycopene are very good in keeping the body healthy. The reason being is that antioxidants fight free radicals by preventing them from reacting. How they do that is by inhibiting oxidative reactions, which free radicals carry out.
Typically, people get their supply of lycopene from eating tomatoes. It is recommended by some professionals to eat a half a cup to a full cup of tomatoes or tomato sauce a week. However, the US FDA has suggested whole tomatoes may be the answer to getting the cancer prevention benefits as studies are conflicting on lycopene.