Whether, you are a health specialist or not, the importance of antioxidants in the human body is known to all. People are constantly looking for the best ways to incorporate more anti-oxidants in their daily diets. According to recent research lycopene found in foods are the best and most abundant source of antioxidant. Ever since this information has been obtained, health specialists and dieticians are constantly advising people to consume more and more of food items that are rich in their Lycopene content.
How does Lycopene benefit you?
It is considered as one of the most powerful ingredients to fight heart diseases and most importantly cancer. This is mainly due to the high level of anti-oxidant quality contained in it. Though this matter is under speculation and researchers are involving themselves in further research, it cannot be denied that the high level of anti-oxidant factor present in the substance is any day very beneficial to the body. Whether you are looking for healthier cells or healthier skin, purer blood and diminished oxidisation in the body, the best alternative for this is to consume lycopene-rich foods.
The top 10 foods that are extremely rich in Lycopene:
There are a number of food articles that if consumed on a regular basis can help anyone and everyone enjoy the unique lycopene benefits. These foods are-
- Guavas and Strawberries:
Guavas whether raw or ripe are practically very high in their Lycopene content. The antioxidant in the fruit allows it to help the body fight oxidation in cells and other parts of the body. The same goes for strawberries too. Both these fruits have a higher level of vitamin c. Both these nutrients teamed together to make them a must have throughout the year or during their seasons.
- Tomatoes:
Whether you are opting for sun-dried tomatoes, raw tomatoes or cooked tomatoes, there level of Lycopene in it, is thoroughly maintained. The Sun Dried variety has an escalated quantity of the nutrient in comparison to the other two varieties. Tomatoes by far provide the highest amount of the nutrient per gram.
- Dried Herbs:
Dried herbs such as basil and parsley, too, form a great source of Lycopene. A generous sprinkling of either of these herbs on your dishes will not only accentuate their flavour and aroma but also will provide your body with a prominent supply of anti-oxidants in the form of Lycopene. If you really are fond of these herbs, now you have one more reason to love them.
- Watermelon:
In case that you were looking for yet another reason to snack on some deliciously juicy and crunchy, fresh watermelon, well here you have it. Watermelon is not only a fantastic summer snack that helps maintain water content in the body and keeps it cool but is also one of the highest sources of lycopene, making it one of the must-haves on your list of anti-oxidant rich foods.
- Grapefruit:
Both pink and red coloured grapefruit prove to be a good source of lycopene. One serving of this delicious fruit during breakfast can provide you with your daily supply of anti-oxidants.
- Asparagus:
When speaking of foods that are rich in anti-oxidants, one that deserves special mention is the Asparagus. All you need to do is blanch it a little and stir fry in butter and garlic, with a little sprinkling of salt and pepper and you not only have a delicious side ready to gobble but also a fantastic boost to the lycopene, in your body.
- Chilli Powder:
If you are fond of a bit of spice in your dishes, then you have all the more reasons to add that extra pinch of chilli powder to them. Chilli powder is really high in lycopene.
- Red Cabbage:
Whether you are tossing them into a salad or slicing them down to make a side, cabbages can prove to be the best thing you can have to increase the level of antioxidants in your body.
- Liver
A good Liver Pate is all you need to welcome a good amount of lycopene in your body. You can also opt for stir fried beef or lamb livers.
- Persimmons:
Persimmons are better recognised as a substitute to apples and are also famous for their sweet taste and high level of lycopene content.
You can choose any or all of the high-lycopene foods mentioned above to accommodate in your diet sometime or the other.
