Department of Food Technology, School of applied and life sciences , Uttaranchal university, Dehradun, India
Dietary lycopene is a caretenoid found in red and yellow fruits and vegetables majorly in tomatoes. The most thermodynamically stable form of all trance lycopene is present in tomatoes but it is less bioavailable then sis isomers of lycopene. Tomatoes contribute to about 85% of dietary lycopene intake. Lycopene is known for its antioxidant properties and it scavenging properties against oxygen free radicals and oxygen active compounds. It prevents Biomolecules like DNA, lipids and proteins from oxidative damage. Researches strongly suggest that lycopene plays an important role in reducing the risk of various types of cancer including pancreatic, colorectal, cervical and stomach cancers. Therefore it can be used as functional food and also for Pharmaceutical purposes.