How can the uptake of lycopene be significantly enhanced when consuming tomatoes, considering its solubility?
Answer
By pairing them with a source of fat, as lycopene is fat-soluble.
The text emphasizes that maximizing the usable amount of lycopene requires understanding its chemical property of being fat-soluble, meaning it dissolves in fats, not water. Consequently, its absorption—or uptake—into the body is dramatically improved when tomatoes or tomato products are consumed in conjunction with dietary fats. Practical examples provided include simmering tomato sauce with olive oil or topping a raw slice with avocado. This synergy between heat (which releases the compound) and the presence of fat (which aids absorption) is described as the key to unlocking the compound's maximum nutritional potential.
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