Lycopene – turns tomatoes into superfood

Lycopene is a great substance for anyone who wants to do something good for their health with little effort. The plant-based power substance is cheap, easy to obtain and you can’t overdose on it. However, raw tomatoes contain comparatively little of the healthy antioxidant. >>> The concentration is particularly high in canned tomatoes, tomato sauces and tomato paste. You can also find a hand-picked selection of Italian tomatoes in our store.

What is lycopene?

Lycopene is a carotenoid and is a secondary plant substance. It is the red pigment that gives fruits and vegetables their bright red or orange hues. Lycopene is found in particularly high doses in all tomato products. However, the colorant is also found in lower concentrations in rose hips, watermelon, papaya, green asparagus, carrots and pink grapefruit.

Lycopene makes tomatoes glow red

What does lycopene do in my body?

The secondary plant substance captures free radicals. Research has shown that the carotenoid can help the body to ward off cancer (e.g. prostate cancer) and also prevent heart attacks.

How much lycopene does a tomato contain?

A piece of raw tomato, for example, contains 500 micrograms, while a dried tomato contains around 950 micrograms. In contrast, 250 ml of tomato juice contains 22,000 micrograms and half a can of tomatoes contains a whopping 27,200 micrograms. Lycopene therefore develops its health-promoting effect better in cooked tomatoes.

In order for the antioxidant to develop its effect better in the body, it must always be consumed together with some fat. However, you should not start eating a particularly high-fat diet just to improve absorption. A little olive oil in your tomato sauce or a dried tomato preserved in oil here and there as a snack are ideal.

How much lycopene does my body need per day?

Edward Giovanucci is a professor at the Havard School of Public Health. He recommends 10,000 micrograms of the phytochemical per day. You can definitely meet this requirement with half a can of tomatoes or a large glass of tomato juice.

Cooked tomatoes contain more lycopene