Eating a diet rich in tomatoes, including tomato paste, could help people develop skin that is less likely to burn in the sun.
A study at the University of Manchester tested volunteers that ate tomato paste over a 12 week period. The team found volunteers that ate the paste were 33% more protected against sunlight than a placebo group.
The skin of the first group of volunteers also started to fight the appearance of ageing. The effects are thought to be down to lycopene, a powerful antioxidant contained in tomatoes.
It is lycopene that provides tomatoes with their red colour, and cooked tomatoes have more lycopene than raw ones. A dermatologist at the University of Manchester, Professor Rhodes, reportedly commented:
"People should not think that tomatoes in any way can replace sun creams, but they may be a good additive. If you can improve your protection through your diet then over several years, this may have a significant effect."
