Definition: A carotenoid that gives fruits and vegetables their red and pink colors. It's related to vitamin A, alpha-carotene, and beta-carotene. Lycopene has been shown to induce antioxidant activity in humans. 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.
