In the case of Halloween candy, it’s both. The trick of the treat is indeed the insulin response. Instead of a Snickers bar, reach for cherry, or grape…tomato. Yeah, I know I’m a killjoy, trading Kit Kats for a hothouse but you’ll thank me in the long run. Recently brought to my attention by Michelle Viquez, CrossFit trainer and nurse extraordinaire, lycopene packs a punch in nutrients that will benefit your health. Lycopene, the major carotenoid found in the tomato, gives the tomato its typical red color. Specifically, it is an antioxidant, which appears to prevent the formation of harmful by-products of metabolism called free radicals. Free radicals are thought to be responsible for damaging the body’s cells, as well as their genetic makeup, leading to certain chronic diseases such as osteoporosis, prostate cancer, and even skin cancer.

One doctor compared sunscreen’s effectiveness in protecting the outside of your body from UV rays with lycopene’s effectiveness in protecting the inside from sun damage (up to 35%!). Research shows that just one cup of tomatoes a day can be enough to prevent sun damage.

Hate eating tomatoes raw? No problem, heat liberates three times more lycopene from the plant’s tissue, so feel free to cook it up! Also, since lycopene is a lipid, for better absorption, it should be consumed with oil (even better!).