What's the best way to eat tomatoes to get the most lycopene?

Lycopene, which is found in tomatoes and tomato products, absorbs in the body best when it is heated, combined with fats, or combined with other antioxidant foods. Try these tips:

• Eat tomato sauce, tomato paste, or tomato soup, all of which are good heated sources of lycopene.
• Eat fresh tomatoes with olive oil, an ideal fat for absorption.
• Eat tomatoes with other antioxidant-rich vegetables, such as in a salad.

The best way to get lycopene from tomatoes is to cook 'em, says Dr. Will Clower, founder of Mediterranean Wellness. Watch this video to find out why.

Cooking the tomatoes as well as serving them with a tad of oil has shown to enhance the body’s absorption of this photochemical. Grill tomato halves with a slight coating of olive oil and top with chopped fresh basil. It's a wonderful side and delicious way to enjoy lycopene.