Lycopene is one of the pigments called carotenoids, these are plant pigments responsible for the color red, orange, green, yellow or plants such as flowers, algae, fruits and vegetables. Lycopene is a natural pigment of red color, it is found in red and pink fruits like watermelon, guava, papaya, tomato, red pepper or grapefruit. The lycopene concentration is highest in tomatoes. Unlike other nutrients found in fruits and vegetables, cooking tomatoes increases the amount of bioavailable lycopene, heat helps it to be released from its cells. Processed tomato products are therefore sources with more bioavailable lycopene, a form that is easier for the body to use.

Lycopene is not only present in plants, we find this carotenoid in the human body: in the liver, prostate, plasma,… it is present in large numbers in skin cells. This agent acts as a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.