Lycopene is a carotenoid, a pigment that gives color to foods, and many carotenoids are considered antioxidants, which means they help to fight against cell damage and aging in the body. In a recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health found that eating lycopene can lower men's risk of prostate cancer.

In a study that spanned 12 years, researchers studied over 47,000 adult men and their risk of prostate cancer. Men who consumed lots of lycopene by eating tomato products had a lower risk of prostate cancer. Men who consumed tomato sauce two or more times a week had an even greater reduction in risk when compared to men who ate less than one serving of tomato sauce each month.

Try incorporating these lycopene-rich foods into your diet each week:

• Tomato paste (best source)
• Tomato sauce and juice
• Tomatoes
• Watermelon
• Pink grapefruit

Related information Nutrition and cancer

Sources:  Giovannucci E, Rimm EB, Liu Y, Stampfer MJ, Willett WC. A prospective study of tomato products, lycopene, and prostate cancer risk. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, March 6, 2002, Vol. 94, No. 5, p. 391-398 (Abs.).