Researchers at Manchester University
found out eating tomatoes can prevent sun burn, and help reduce
wrinkles.
Tomato pure found on pizza bases are rich in
antioxidants; A group of volunteers ate 5 tablespoons of pure over a
12 week period.
Over the period the volunteers
developed skin that was less likely to burn in the sun.
The tests showed the effects of eating
the tomato pure, was the equivalent of applying factor 1.3 sunscreen;
The volunteers skin had 33% more protection than a group of
volunteers who were not given tomato pure.
Scientists said 'People should not
think tomatoes in any way can replace sun creams, but they may be a
good additive,' Manchester University researcher Prof Lesley Rhodes
went on to say 'If you can improve your protection through your diet
then, over several years, this may have a significant effect.
A powerful antioxidant called Lycopene
found in tomatoes is thought to be responsible for the health
benefits, scientists believe it has the ability to neutralise harmful
molecules produced in skin exposed to the sun's rays.
Dr Colin Holden, of the British
Association of Dermatologists, says 'While the protection offered by
Lycopene is low, this research suggest that a diet containing high
levels of antioxidant rich tomatoes could provide an extra tool in
sun protection.
Tests at the University of Newcastle
also show that Lycopene acts as a protector against cells which are
associated with singes of ageing and cancer.
This could help in the research in to
battling cancer in gropes more susceptible to skin cancer (I.e.
people with fair skin, or people who are exposed to the harmful rays
of the sun).
A meeting of the British Society of
Investigative Dermatology in Oxford UK, were presented the findings
on the 28/04/2008.