Several epidemiological studies report that lycopene-rich diets
have beneficial effects on human health (12, 13). A possible
role has been suggested for tomatoes and tomato products in
preventing cardiovascular disease and protecting against some
types of cancer (based on lycopene content) (7, 14) as well as
against ultraviolet light-induced erythema (15). The quantification
of lycopene content is thus of considerable nutritional
interest and is essential for determining the potential health
benefits of tomatoes and tomato products.