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Lycopene

By Shereen Jegtvig, About.com

Updated: April 29, 2008

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Definition: A carotenoid that gives fruits and vegetables their red and pink colors. Lycopene has been shown to induce antioxidant activity in humans. And eating a diet rich in lycopene has been associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Tomatoes, especially processed tomato products, are the richest source of dietary lycopene. Other sources include watermelons and pink grapefruit.

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