Tomatoes could be the new weapon in the fight against sun damage, research at the universities of Newcastle and Manchester has revealed.
Eating tomato paste could help protect against sunburn and suninduced skin ageing.
In the study, researchers compared the skin of 20 people, half of whom were given five tablespoons (55g) of standard tomato paste with 10g of olive oil every day, with the other half receiving just olive oil, over a period of 12 weeks.
The skin was exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, which is found naturally in sunlight, at the beginning and end of the trial.
The team found significant improvements in the skin's ability to protect itself against UV in the group who had been eating tomato paste.
Professor Lesley Rhodes, dermatologist at Manchester University, said: "The tomato diet boosted the level of procollagen in the skin significantly. These increasing levels suggest potential reversal of the skin ageing process. This is in addition to the significant reduction in sunburn.
"These weren't huge amounts of tomato. It was the sort of quantity you would easily manage if you were eating a lot of tomato-based meals.
"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."
Many of the harmful effects of UV light are due to the excess production of harmful molecules which can damage important skin structures. Sun damage from UV exposure includes premature wrinkles and skin cancer.
The tomato's key skin saving property is a powerful antioxidant, called lycopene, which is able to neutralise or "quench" the harmful molecules.
Lycopene is the bright red pigment found in a number of red fruit and vegetables, but with its highest levels in cooked tomatoes.
Compared to the control group, the group who had eaten the paste were found to have 33 percent more protection against sunburn, which can lead to skin cancer.
Meanwhile, collaborators at Newcastle University found that the lycopene had reduced damage to mitochondrial DNA in the skin, which is also believed to be linked with skin ageing.
Professor Mark Birch-Machin, dermatology scientist from Newcastle University, said: "Eating tomatoes will not make you invincible in the sun, but it may be a useful addition to sun protection along with sunscreens, shade and clothing."
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