Better off red!

Some people say that red cars go faster. While there may be no scientific evidence for this, science has come to the aid of claims that red means… younger!

In a recent study, presented to the Royal Society of Medicine in the United Kingdom, the natural pigment that makes tomatoes red (lycopene), can help maintain youthful-looking skin.

Scientists at Newcastle University found that eating tomatoes reduces sun damage and boosts levels of procollagen, the molecule which gives skin its structure, maintaining elasticity.

Volunteers who ate tomato paste daily for a fortnight, suffered less damage to mitochondrial DNA – believed to be linked to skin ageing – than those who were given a placebo.

Scientists also found those in the tomato-eating group had 33 percent more protection against sunburn, after the subjects were exposed to UV rays at the beginning and end of the trial.

Helen Barnes, business manager of Tomatoes New Zealand, says the UK report supports existing research into the nutritional benefits of tomatoes, including studies by New Zealand’s Crop & Food Research.

“It’s widely known that lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that neutralises free radicals which may cause damage to cell components. But it is very interesting to hear of tomato consumption being linked directly to increased protection against sunburn and more youthful looking skin.

She says, due to their lycopene content, tomatoes also offer other health benefits.     

“There is strong scientific evidence for a role of lycopene in reducing the incidence of prostate cancer. It may also help reduce the incidence of other cancers and cardiovascular diseases and play a role in eye health and is also a good source of vitamin C, fibre, folic acid, potassium and other vitamins.”