Packed full of phyto-nutrients, 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!
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 isn’t a huge amount (and certainly won’t 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.