Lycopene

(Tomato fruit)

Lycopene is a carotenoid that is found in tomatoes, red grapefruit, and watermelon and gives them their red color. Lycopene has been linked to lower rates of prostate cancer. A six-year study showed that European men in countries such as Greece and Italy were the most likely to eat tomato-based products and the least likely to develop prostate cancer (Journal of the National Cancer Institute, December 1995). Studies have shown that intakes of 6.4 to 10 mg of lycopene per day from 2 to 4 servings of tomato sauce a week have the lowest risk of prostate cancer.