Can Tomatoes & Lycopene Protect You Against Cancer? Tomatoes are more than just a delicious addition to your meals—they may also play a role in cancer prevention. A massive new systematic review has analyzed the effects of tomatoes and lycopene on cancer risk and mortality, providing fascinating insights into the potential health benefits of this powerful antioxidant. What Is Lycopene? Lycopene is a potent antioxidant found in red and pink fruits and vegetables, including watermelon, pink grapefruit, and apricots. However, more than 80% of our dietary lycopene comes from tomatoes and tomato-based