Lycopene is a carotenoid found in yellow, orange and red fruits
and vegetables. The United States National Library of Medicine
states, "Carotenoids are the natural pigments which are
synthesized by plants and are responsible for the bright colors
of various fruits and vegetables." It is a natural antioxidant,
beneficial to overall health. Sources of lycopene. Lycopene can
be found in several common fruits and vegetables. Many of these
are readily available at grocery stores and farmers' markets or
can be grown in a personal garden. Vegetables and fruits with
lycopene include tomatoes, red bell peppers, papaya, apricots,
watermelon, pink grapefruit and guava. According to the American
Cancer Society, some studies have shown the body may absorb
lycopene more easily when it is in the form of cooked tomato
products, including tomato paste or sauce, than simply eating
raw tomatoes. Consider a serving of homemade marinara sauce,
made with tomato paste and fresh tomatoes, as a way to add a bit
more lycopene to your