Why you need to add lycopene-rich foods to your diet

What is Lycopene?

Lycopene is a bright red carotenoid hydrocarbon found in tomatoes and other red fruits and vegetables. It is a powerful antioxidant with many health benefits. (Pic source: Pixabay)

"Lycopene is a bit like a superpowered health helper. It's known as an antioxidant, and its main job is to tackle harmful substances in our body called free radicals," Dr Ushakiran Sisodia, Registered Dietician and Clinical Nutritionist Diet and Nutrition, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital told indianexpress.com.

Free radicals can harm our cells and speed up ageing and cause diseases such as cancer or cardiovascular conditions. (Pic source: Pixabay)

As per some studies, lycopene may reduce the risk of some types of cancer, especially prostate cancer. (Pic source: Freepik)

"It's also thought to be good for our hearts by lowering the "bad" cholesterol and raising the "good" one, keeping blood pressure in check, and reducing inflammation and stress in our bodies," shared Dr Sisodia. (Pic source: Pixabay)

Sisodia added that foods rich in lycopene may even help keep our bones strong and protect our skin from sun damage. (Pic source: Freepik)

Which foods are rich in lycopene?

Tomatoes, watermelon, pink grapefruit, guava, papaya, red bell peppers, asparagus, red cabbage and pomegranate are some foods rich in lycopene. (Pic source: Pixabay)

Did you know that our bodies can get more lycopene from cooked or processed tomatoes than from the raw ones?

"So, tomato paste, sauce, and juice can give you a good lycopene boost," shared Sisodia. (Pic source: Freepik)

Lycopene is great, but it's no magic bullet. "It's best to get it from a varied diet rather than just depending on over the counter supplements," advised Dr Sisodia. (Pic source: Freepik)

Also, even though lycopene shows promise in fighting off cancer and heart disease, in no way can it be a substitute for active treatment, recommended by the doctors. " Look at lycopene as a way to achieve a balance diet, more than using it with a goal to manage or prevent diseases," concluded Dr Sisodia. (Pic source: Freepik)