Lycopene, which is found primarily in tomatoes and tomato products, is being studied for its health benefits. In addition to giving tomatoes their vibrant color, lycopene may help protect against diseases such as cancer and heart disease.

Lycopene is an “antioxidant” - it helps to counteract the harmful effects of substances called “free radicals,” which are thought to contribute to many chronic diseases and age-related processes in the body.

While lycopene may in fact have many health benefits, researchers point out that there may be other, as yet unidentified, substances in tomatoes that make them protective against diseases.