Plants have to withstand the damaging effects of UV rays too, and to do this they produce their own built-in protection against oxidative damage, in the form of antioxidants. We can enjoy the benefits of these antioxidants by eating the plants! The antioxidants can then be deposited in our tissues and help to give us some extra protection against the damaging effects of the sun’s rays.
A recent study showed significantly less DNA damage from UV exposure on the skin from adding just three tablespoons of tomato paste a day to your diet for three months.
It’s not a substitute for a good high SPF sunblock, just an extra layer of protection we can give ourselves, and another great reason to make sure your diet includes a rainbow of colourful fruit and veg!
Remember that antioxidants are constantly being depleted, particularly so when consuming any alcohol, so while you’re on that summer holiday make sure to ramp up that intake of fruit and veg – it may help to keep away those extra holiday pounds too!