Research has consistently supported the benefits of tomatoes for sun protection. For example, a study in the British Journal of Dermatology that focused on the benefits of eating tomatoes based on two of its key nutrients, lycopene and lutein. The study concluded that these nutrients significantly increased skin protection from the sun’s UV rays. In the study, which involved a double-blind trial of 65 people, the group that received the lycopene and lutein supplements had measurably better skin protection after two weeks compared to the group receiving a placebo.
Eating a variety of lycopene- and lutein-rich foods, including whole tomatoes, juices, sauces, and even tomato paste is one way to optimize your sun protection from this food. Research has also indicated that enjoying tomatoes cooked in olive oil may increase the absorption of lycopene.