Determine the Role as antioxidant?

Some carotenoids, in addition to serving as a source of vitamin A, have been shown lo function as antioxidants. Studies show that lycopene. (The pigment which gives tomatoes the red colour) is a scavenger of singlet-oxygen, offering powerful antioxidant activity. Antioxidants protect our  cells against the effects of free radicals, which you may recall reading in the  Nutritional Bio chemistry Course, are potentially damaging compounds produced as by-products of metabolism, as well as, through exposure to toxins and pollutants  (e.g. smoking).

Free radicals, as you may be aware, can cause cell damage that may contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease and cancers. Thus, vitamin A and related nutrients may collectively be important in protecting against conditions related to oxidative stress, such as aging, air pollution, arthritis, cancer cardiovascular disease. Cataracts, diabetes mellitus and infection. However, this role has not been consistently demonstrated in humans.