What preparation condition significantly improves the absorption of lycopene from tomatoes?
Pairing intake with a small amount of healthy fat
The bioavailability—the degree and rate at which a substance is absorbed by the body—of lycopene is directly influenced by dietary context due to its chemical nature. Lycopene is classified chemically as a fat-soluble compound. This solubility means that the body cannot efficiently extract and utilize it unless there is a corresponding presence of dietary fat during ingestion. To maximize the protective effects lycopene offers, especially for skin health against UV damage, it is crucial to enhance its absorption. This is readily achieved by pairing tomato consumption with a modest serving of healthy fat, such as incorporating olive oil when eating them or blending them into a sauce with added oil, which significantly increases the amount of active lycopene available to the biological systems.
