Lycopene, a compound found in tomatoes and tomato products, may protect against sunburn and sun-induced skin ageing, say British researchers. They found that people who consumed tomato paste had 33% more protection against sunburn than those in a control group. Co-researcher Professor Lesley Rhodes 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.
Source: British Society for Investigative Dermatology Annual Meeting, Apr 8, 2008
