(Another) Red

What it is:

Lycopene is a bright red carotene and carotenoid pigment and phytochemical. It is found in red fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes, red carrots, and watermelons. Although lycopene is chemically a carotene, it differs in that it has no vitamin A activity.

What it does:

• Protects your cells from free radical damage
• As an antioxidant, prevents the oxidation of cholesterol
• Slows the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases
• Helps prevent cancers of the prostrate, pancreas, stomach, breast, cervix, and lung
• Prevents cataracts and age-related macular degeneration

Examples of foods that are rich in lycopene:

Tomato-based products such as ketchup, pasta sauce, puree, tomato soup, and the tomato itself, pink guavas, watermelons, red carrots, and persimmons. 

Did you know:
... That unlike most other nutrients, lycopene is made more available after processing than before? Cooking a tomato would increase its lycopene availability rather than destroy it.