Olive Oil, Tomatoes healthy for diet

Olive oil and tomatoes are good for you. They offer another healthy benefit when added to your diet. Research has proven that skin cancer may be prevented by following a diet that includes tomatoes and olive oil.

A recent study undertaken by the Newcastle and Manchester Universities have revealed the preventative properties of tomatoes in relation to skin cancer resulting from sun damage.

The study group researching the effects that tomatoes have on skin was led by Professor Mark Birch-Machin, from the department of molecular dermatology at Newcastle University.

The study took place over a three month period whereby twenty participants were exposed to ultraviolet light. The group of voluntary participants was divided into two. Each day one group of ten were given a dose of 55 grams of a tomato paste and olive oil mixture. The other group of ten received a daily dose of only olive oil.

The findings of the study were reported by the BBC news and demonstrated that the skin of the group of participants that were receiving the tomato paste and oil mixture was more protected from the ultraviolet rays by thirty three percent, and, had significantly higher levels than the other group, of a protein called procollagen which is known to give skin its elasticity.

The reason for the higher degree of sun protection of those on the tomato rich diet is, as Professor Birch-Machin explains, that tomatoes contain lycopene, an antioxidant that is effective in eliminating free radicals that damage DNA and skin cells.

Professor Birch-Machin is quoted as writing that ‘tomatoes prevent damage to mitochondria, which are batteries of our cells that help skin health and also helps prevent sunburn’.

Information gleaned from the ADA (the American Dietetic Association) states that the bright red pigment contained in some fruits and vegetables is known as lycopene and is especially prevalent in tomatoes. The release of lycopene is assisted by cooking tomatoes before eating and thus facilitating absorption into the body.

Professor Birch-Machin recommends a daily dose of five tablespoons of processed tomatoes as this would give skin the same UV protection as wearing a sunscreen with a protection factor of 1.3. It is also interesting to note that the one cup of pure tomato soup contains 24.8 milligrams of lycopene, as stated by the ADA.

By avoiding the midday sun when the UV rays are most harmful and by wearing protective clothing, the damaging effects of the sun such as premature aging and skin cancer may be prevented, according to Professor Birch-Machin. In addition to consuming tomatoes, Birch-Machin also revealed that fruit such as guava and pink grapefruit contain similar components to protect and prevent the onset of skin cancer.
olive oil and tomatoes health benefit, olive oil and tomatoes

Technorati Tags: olive oil and tomatoes health benefit, olive oil and tomatoes