Benefits of Lycopene
Why it's good for you, how much you need, and what foods are high in lycopene
Benefits of Lycopene
Lycopene is a carotenoid that may boost heart health, prevent vision loss, and lower the risk of some cancers.
Recommended Amount: How Much You Need
There's no specific RealAge recommendation for lycopene, but it's found primarily in fruit, so eat four servings of fruit each day and you should be covered. It'll also make your RealAge younger.
Good Sources of Lycopene
The brighter the better. Pink, orange, and red fruits are generally rich in lycopene. For a lycopene boost, consider:
Watermelon
Tomatoes, tomato juice, and tomato sauce
Papaya
Pink grapefruit
Guava
Tip: It's easier for your body to absorb lycopene from tomatoes that have been cooked, canned, or otherwise processed. Adding a little bit of fat helps as well, so cook your tomatoes with a splash of heart-healthy olive oil.
Try these recipes to add a little lycopene to your diet:
- Watermelon and Goat Cheese Salad
- Papaya-Avocado Salad
- Grapefruit Chicken Satay Salad
- Black Bean and Tomato Salsa
- Tomato Sauce
Find more healthy recipes with the RealAge Recipe Finder.
