What essential dietary component, often paired in traditional Italian servings like Caprese, enhances the body's absorption of lycopene up to four times?
Answer
Dietary fat
Lycopene is a fat-soluble compound, meaning its uptake by the human body is dramatically increased when consumed alongside a source of fat. Studies indicate this enhancement can be substantial, multiplying absorption rates significantly. Traditional preparations, such as adding extra virgin olive oil to raw slices or pairing the tomato with cheese (which contains fat), are nutritionally optimized acts designed specifically to leverage this fat-carrier mechanism for maximum carotenoid uptake.
Related Questions
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