What are good sources of lycopene?

Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an important antioxidant linked to reduced risk for cancer and heart disease. Interestingly, you'll get stronger protection from your heart by eating tomatoes compared with taking supplements rich in lycopene. Tomato juice, tomato sauce, tomato paste, tomato puree, and even ketchup are great sources of lycopene. Cooking tomatoes increases the release of lycopene, so you'll actually get more lycopene from eating cooked tomatoes or tomato products rather than raw tomatoes. Interestingly, eating tomato products with fats increases the amount of lycopene your body can absorb -- so combinations like spaghetti and meatballs, cheese lasagna, and pizza can boost the amount of this important antioxidant.

Lycopene can be found in tomatoes and tomato products. Cooking the tomatoes as well as serving them with a tad of oil has also shown to enhance the body’s absorption of this photochemical. Watermelon, pink grapefruit, and guava are other delicious food sources of lycopene.

The brighter the better. Pink, orange, and red fruits are generally rich in lycopene. For a lycopene boost, consider:

• Watermelon
• Tomatoes, tomato juice, and tomato sauce
• Papaya
• Pink grapefruit
• Guava

Tip: It's easier for your body to absorb lycopene from tomatoes that have been cooked, canned, or otherwise processed. Adding a little bit of fat helps as well, so cook your tomatoes with a splash of heart-healthy olive oil.

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