Oman today_ A team of researchers from University of Manchester and Newcastle University has found that adding tomato paste to the daily diet can play a meaningful role in protecting the skin against harmful ultraviolet radiation, which is a major cause of sunburn, premature skin ageing, and an increased risk of skin cancer.
In this study, participants were divided into two groups. One group consumed a measured amount of standard tomato paste rich in cooked tomatoes every day for three months, while the other group received only olive oil. Skin tests conducted at the end of the trial showed that those who included tomato paste in their diet demonstrated around one-third greater resistance to sunburn. This level of protection was comparable to the effect of a very low-strength sunscreen. In addition, higher levels of procollagen, a key substance responsible for skin firmness and elasticity, were detected in their skin.
The researchers explained that cooking tomatoes significantly increases the concentration of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant known for its skin-protective properties. According to a dermatology specialist from the University of Manchester, including cooked tomatoes in the diet can noticeably boost procollagen production and help slow down the skin’s ageing process.
Despite these promising findings, the researchers stressed that tomato paste should not be viewed as a replacement for sunscreen, but rather as a beneficial dietary addition alongside regular skin protection measures. They also noted that the study was small in scale and short in duration, and that further research is currently underway to better understand the long-term benefits of lycopene for skin health.