Hello everyone, and welcome to Dr. Mercola's cellular wisdom. Some folks call me the official observer

of the human condition, a title I earned after noticing how many hours my neighbor spends perfecting

his lawn flamingo display. But that's a tale for another day. And I'm Alara Sky. I have a quick wit,

a curious mind, and an uncanny ability to discuss natural health without spontaneously combusting

into disclaimers.

I'm thrilled you all decided to join us, because today we're diving into something that might surprise you.

Lycopene.

Turns out, it's not just that red stuff in tomatoes that stains your Tupperware.

In my experience, everything stains Tupperware,

turmeric, beet juice, the occasional meltdown after reading obscure health blogs. But let's not get

lost in my personal struggles with plastic containers. Lycopene has bigger claims to fame, doesn't it?

It does indeed. We all know Lycopene gives tomatoes their signature color. But apparently,

it's also a mood champion, an ally for your cardiovascular system, and a friendly neighborhood

hero for your digestive tract. Basically,

if you see a bright red fruit or veggie, there's a good chance lycopenes the star performer.

We have something that's bright red and capable of saving the day. That's very superhero of it.

Next time I watch a Marvel movie, I'll hold out hope for a cameo by a tomato wearing a cape.

Don't forget the speech bubble. I fight free radicals, and I fight for your right to a happy brain.

Let's start with the happy brain part, because that's the real showstopper.

According to research, lycopene might actually have antidepressant properties.

I'll admit, I've never connected depression in tomatoes.

Usually the only time I've looked at a tomato with sadness was when I'd run out of salt.

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