Tomato Nutrition Facts: Lycopene

If you are asked to enumerate vegetables that are often used in making food, one red treat will not go unnoticed. A tomato is a favorite answer in such lists. From salads, sauces to main course meals, tomato has many uses. Aside from the many uses of tomatoes, they are also famous for the health benefits they give. Have you heard of lycopene before? That is only one of the many benefits a tomato offers. There is a long list if nutrients a single tomato can give. Here are some tomato nutrition facts.

Tomato Nutrition Facts: Lycopene

Lycopene is one major contributor to the many tomato nutrition facts. It is a compound present in tomatoes that is touted as a cancer-preventive measure. A lot of studies support that lycopene decreases the risks of obtaining cancer especially prostate, lung and stomach cancers. A lot of studies, for example, show that if one has higher lycopene level in the blood, the risk of prostate cancer is reduce.

Laboratory studies also show that lycopene, as a potent weapon that can fight against cancer, seems to protect a cell’s DNA with its antioxidant powers. It also stimulates enzymes to deactivate certain carcinogens that are present in the body even before cancer starts.

Lycopene is not only found in tomatoes. It can be found in other red fruits and vegetables such as watermelons and guava. However, as you can observe, the reddish appearance of tomatoes show that it is very rich in lycopene. For better results, it is recommend that people eat cooked tomatoes. This is because as tomatoes are cook, more lycopene is release. Therefore, canned tomatoes, ketchup and tomato sauce are very good sources of lycopene.

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The aforementioned tomatoes nutrition facts are only some of the many benefits that this vegetable offers. It is therefore recommend to include tomatoes in your daily diet.