Tomatoes: Nature’s sunscreen?

According to a new study presented at the British Society for Investigative Dermatology, tomato dishes may actually protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun. I know what you’re thinking… and the answer is yes, that includes pizza!

A team of researchers at the Universities of Newcastle and Manchester gave five tablespoons of tomato paste to 10 volunteers each day. After three months, they measured the ability of the volunteers’ skin to protect itself from dangerous UV rays.

Skin samples from the volunteers showed a 33% increase in protection against sunburn. They also found higher levels of the molecule that keeps skin firm.

Don’t get ahead of yourself though; this doesn’t mean that eating pizza is the way to firmer, younger looking skin (unfortunately). The report, however, provides more evidence that tomatoes are great for you, and can be enjoyed on a daily basis. As explained in past reports, tomatoes are even better for you when you eat them in combination with uncooked olive oil (in a salad for example); try one of our tasty, tomato-rich healthy recipes for some inspiration.

While more research is needed, it appears as though the already healthful tomato has newfound benefits for your skin; tomato lovers rejoice! I can just picture my 91-year-old Italian grandmother sitting in her kitchen saying “I told you so!”