It is a strong antioxidant , which can help to combat degenerative diseases such as heart disease. It was found that increased concentration of lycopene gave an increased protective effect, so the most concentrated food sources, like tomato puree and ketchup, are better protectors against these diseases. However the human body cannot produce this molecule and needs to obtain it from tomatoes in our diet. High lycopene foods like soup are the most effective against degenerative diseases. It helps prevent degenerative diseases by donating its electrons to oxygen free radicals thus quenching and neutralising them before they can damage cells.
Free radicals are molecules that have at least one unpaired electron.
By donating an electron lycopene can stabilise the free molecule. There have been many recent studies into lycopene so that it can be used to its fullest potential in fighting these diseases. Lycopene has though other ailing effects. It has been seen that lycopene can be used as an anti-carcinogen , greatly reducing the risk of some cancers. Tomatoes are therefore a very important part of our diet and if tests are conclusive then this could be a serious step towards combating other cancers.