High blood pressure, which often remains unnoticed by those affected, is crucial for the development of cardiovascular disease. Among the carotenoids found in plant foods, lycopene is the most powerful antioxidant in vitro. As shown by Paran and colleagues, lycopene-rich tomatoe extract (Lyc-O-Mato) – when tested in a double blind cross-over study over 6 weeks versus placebo – may help to better control hypertension in patients receiving standard low-dose medication (such as ACE inhibitors or beta-blockers).
“The benefits of our study are in the use of an effective concentration of antioxidants in their natural formulation, tomato extract with all the nutrients …read more

Did you know that goat cheese can help your body absorb the carotenoids in pizza sauce? Dr. John La Puma tells you why and proceeds to demonstrate a recipe for Gluten Free Goat Cheese Pizza:

Goodbye mozzarella, hello goat cheese?

Ah, watermelons! My all-time favorite summer fruit. With its high water content, it’s the perfect thirst-quencher, snack or dessert during hot summer days. It’s a staple on our picnic basket (despite its weight!).
But aside from saving you from potential dehydration, there’s more to watermelons than just water. It is rich in Vitamins A and C, and a carotenoid called lycopene, a powerful antioxidant associated with reduced cancer risk and lower rates of heart disease. In fact, there’s a study that showed that watermelons contain even more lycopenes than tomatoes, its more popular and common source.
Are all watermelons created equal? A …read more