It’s the colour of romance, ruddy-cheeked cherubs and… weight reduction? Current analysis within the journal Life, means that lycopene—a key compound that provides purple meals like tomatoes and watermelon their distinctive ruby hue—helps the liver metabolize fats and help weight reduction. We requested main dieticians to interrupt down the science behind this welcome information, plus share a couple of mouthwatering red-food recipes that will help you attain your well being targets.

Why does lycopene help weight reduction?

Lycopene is a strong antioxidant which can assist scale back body-wide irritation, explains dietician Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, CDCES, CPT, writer of 2-Day Diabetes Weight loss program: Weight loss program Simply 2 Days a Week and Dodge Kind 2 Diabetes. “As inflammation cools, stress hormones like cortisol may decline, helping promote weight loss by reducing fat storage in the body. These antioxidant properties also help protect liver cells from damage and lower inflammatory markers associated with conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).”

Certainly, an animal examine within the Journal of Vitamin and Metabolism confirmed that lycopene helps weight reduction by stimulating brown fats exercise—the “active” fats that burns energy—whereas lowering white fats, the type we retailer for power. One other animal examine in Animal Bioscience confirmed that lycopene helps lower stomach fats.

“Recent research also shows lycopene alleviates diseases of the kidney, eye, bone and nervous system,” provides Toby Amidor, MS, RD, vitamin knowledgeable and Wall Road Journal best-selling writer of Well being Photographs.

Which meals include metabolism-revving lycopene?

Whereas tomatoes, watermelon and purple bell peppers would be the belles of the blush-colored ball, a couple of lesser-known meals additionally include lycopene and help a wholesome weight, Palinski-Wade reveals.

“Pink grapefruit is a surprisingly good source of lycopene,” she says. “Other sources include pumpkin, certain oranges like Cara Cara oranges—and there are even small amounts of lycopene in green asparagus.”

Papaya, apricots, carrots and, sure, ketchup, additionally include the health-boosting pigment, provides Amidor.

How a lot purple meals do you should eat to reap the weight-loss advantages? “There is no specific recommended daily intake for lycopene, but research suggests consuming at least 8 to 21 mg. per day may provide health benefits,” says Palinski-Wade. “You can get this amount by eating ½ cup of tomato sauce, for example, 1 cup of watermelon or ½ cup of sun-dried tomatoes.”

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Increase the weight-loss advantages of purple meals with these pairings

Cooking tomatoes with a little bit of wholesome fats, like olive oil, helps the physique take in lycopene extra simply, explains Palinksi-Wade. Right here, a couple of extra of her lycopene-rich serving ideas to jump-start your weight reduction efforts:

Watermelon pizza with yogurt frosting

She had us at watermelon. And pizza. And frosting. “Adding whole-milk Greek yogurt to the watermelon in this simple recipe helps provide a healthy source of fat to boost the absorption of lycopene in the watermelon,” Palinski-Wade explains.

To make: Slice ⅛ of a contemporary watermelon into a big spherical disc. Then, utilizing a pizza cutter, slice the disc into even “pizza slices.” (Try a visible information right here.) Unfold ½ cup plain Greek yogurt evenly excessive of the sliced watermelon. High with ¼ cup sliced strawberries and ¼ cup contemporary blueberries. Serve chilled and revel in!

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Watermelon & feta cheese summer time salad

One other solution to take pleasure in watermelon? Pair it with feta cheese in a traditional summer time salad. “Feta contains beneficial compounds like conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which may support healthy weight management,” she reveals.

Parmesan baked tomato bites

“Baking tomato with a drizzle of olive oil makes for a delicious and easy appetizer and provides a boost of absorbable lycopene,” Palinski-Wade shares.

To make: Preheat oven to 400 levels. Slice 2 cups cherry tomatoes in half and place on a foil-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 Tbs. olive oil, then sprinkle with 3 Tbs. parmesan cheese,  ½ tsp. pepper and 1 tsp. oregano. Bake for five to 7 minutes, or till the cheese has melted and tomatoes are tender. Serve heat.

Extra tales on health-boosting meals:

Eat Extra Lycopene to Shield Your Eyes, Mind, and Pores and skin from Age-Associated Injury

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The 7 Finest Meals for Preventing Irritation and Power Illness

This content material just isn’t an alternative to skilled medical recommendation or prognosis. At all times seek the advice of your doctor earlier than pursuing any therapy plan.