Packed full of phytonutrients, the Lycopene-rich, humble tomato is one of nature’s most commonly used, and yet most under-rated fruits. And yes, it is - botanically at least - a fruit! Lycopene is considered a powerful phytonutrient in the human diet, however in Britain we are thought to consume only a fraction of the intake recommended by nutritionists.
Lycopene is part of the carotenoid family, a group of plant-based pigments that produce the bright red, yellow and orange colour found in the skins of fruit and vegetables. Carotenoids act as a type of anti-oxidant for humans.
The best sources of lycopene are in processed tomato products such as tinned tomatoes, tomato sauce such as ketchup and passata, tomato ketchup or in tomato juice. This is because the cooking process improves the bioavailability of lycopene.
Lycopene is an extremely powerful anti-oxidant
Lycopene is the key element of interest in the tomato because it is a massively powerful anti-oxidant. All anti-oxidants in our diets are important because they help protect us against free radical damage and are fantastic promoters of good health.
Apart from lycopene’s superstar status as an anti-oxidant, tomato extract 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 over exposure to Vitamin A.
Why choose our lycopene supplement?
Standardised to ensure it contains what it says it does, just one of our gelatin-free capsules daily provide a full 15mg of natural source Lycopene. It comes in an easy to swallow one a day fully-vegetarian and vegan capsule.
Our supplement comes with added vitamin E, another powerful anti-oxidant. Vitamin E has approved health claims for the protection of cells, DNA, proteins and lipids from oxidative damage.
Just Vitamins' High Strength Lycopene Capsules is a clean label supplement, meaning it uses only natural ingredients, it is free from gluten, allergens and synthetic components.
Top Tip: Lycopene is fat-soluble so if you consume it with a little fat this can increase its absorption in our bodies.