An open chain unsaturated carotenoid that gives tomatoes, guava, rose hip, watermelon and pink grapefruit its red color. Studies show that lycopene intake is significantly associated with lower risk of lung, colon and stomach carcinogenesis. It is an antioxidant.

1. Sharoni Y  et al. The role of lycopene and its derivatives in the regulation of transcription systems: implications for cancer prevention. Am J Clin Nutr 96:1173S-8S (2012).

2. Trejo-Solís C  et al. Multiple molecular and cellular mechanisms of action of lycopene in cancer inhibition. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2013:705121 (2013).