Tomatoes may hold key to boosting skin’s defence against sunburn

In a new study, Australian researchers will determine if extracts from tomatoes and grapes can bolster the skin’s ability to fend off UV damage and improve its ability to repair following UV exposure. The study is being launched by the Australasian Research Institute, the research arm of the Sydney Adventist Hospital, according to News. com. au. "UV damage is a big problem in Australia. If we can improve your repair process we can limit the number of mutations that can be potentially carcinogenic," the site quoted research scientist Olivia Szeto as saying. Grapes and tomatoes were selected because they contain carotenoids and polyphenols, which have been shown to have powerful antioxidant properties. According to Szeto, the researchers are hopeful results would be available early next year. Earlier a UK study had found that lycopene - an anti-oxidant that causes the red pigment in tomatoes and other vegetables - was the key to tomatoes’ anti-ageing qualities and could guard against sunburn. ANI