What Is Lycopene? Foods & Supplements

Wellness Blog Antioxidants What Is Lycopene? Foods & Supplements Published: June 2022 By: Scientifically Reviewed By: Michael A. Smith, MD You probably know that tomatoes are healthy, but did you know why? Among other nutrients, these rich red fruits (yes, tomatoes are fruits, and not vegetables) are a great source of a wonderful antioxidant called lycopene. If your burger order is “hold the tomatoes,” fortunately, lycopene is available in many other plant-based foods, and taking a lycopene supplement is an extremely popular way to get enough of this antioxidant; in fact, from 1995 to 2004 the world consumption of lycopene has tripled! So what is lycopene, what’s all the buzz about, and how can you get enough lycopene in your diet? Let’s dive in. Mega Lycopene What is lycopene?Lycopene belongs to a class of pigmented compounds called carotenoids, which also includes beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin (most known for their ability to support eye health). Carotenoids are a type of anti...