Packed full of phyto-nutrients, the Lycopene-rich, humble tomato is one of natures most commonly used, and yet most under-rated fruits. And yes,...... more
Packed full of phyto-nutrients, the Lycopene-rich, humble
tomato is one of natures most commonly used, and yet most under-rated fruits. And
yes, it is - botanically at least - a fruit! Nutritionally, the key element of interest in the
tomato is the massively-powerful antioxidant it contains, called lycopene. In fact lycopene is so potent, it has shown
to have around 150 times more antioxidant power than the more commonly known antioxidant Vitamin E. Alongside Lutein, Beta-carotene and Zeaxanthin, Lycopene is classed as a carotenoid - these are the pigments that are found in red, orange and yellow fruits that protect them from the formation of dangerous free-radicals, and more importantly from the sun. In fact a 2008 study by the Universities of Newcastle and Manchester showed that people who consumed a lycopene-rich paste daily for 12 weeks had 33% more protection against sunburn than those consuming a placebo. This level of protection was calculated
to be equivalent
to a SPF of 1.3, which admittedly isnt a huge amount (and certainly wont negate the need for
sunscreen on the beach!), but the benefit is clear
to see. Apart from having higher anti-oxidant levels than beta-carotene, lycopene has a further advantage in that the levels of retinol (Vitamin A) are much, much lower, so lycopene supplements can safely be taken without risk of increased Vitamin A exposure. Raw
tomatoes contain much lower quantities of lycopene than cooked ones.Just Vitamins supplement contains a full 6mg of Lycopene, in an easy
to swallow fully-vegetarian (and vegan) capsule.
... less
| 
