During the summer, it's important to do more than just use sunscreen to protect your skin.

You can boost your sun protection by wearing sun hats, using umbrellas, and other things like that. Also, eating certain red and yellow fruits and veggies, such as tomatoes, can help improve your defense against the sun.

Tomatoes offer a natural defense against the sun due to their rich lycopene content.

Exposure to UV rays tends to increase the presence of free radicals in the skin, which can harm skin cells. Lycopene, present in tomatoes, effectively combats these free radicals, thereby slowing down the aging process of the skin.

Research indicates that a daily intake of 15 milligrams of lycopene (equivalent to about 2 to 3 red tomatoes) can decrease the risk of sunburn by an impressive 40%. By neutralizing free radicals, lycopene contributes to preventing age spots, promoting skin cell vitality, and delaying the onset of these spots.

Notably, UV rays don't only impact the skin – they can also lead to eye sunburn, contributing to accelerated aging and increased susceptibility to cataracts over time.

A study found that women who regularly consumed vitamins C, E, riboflavin, folic acid, lycopene, beta carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin were less prone to developing cataracts.

Among these, lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin play pivotal roles in preventing cataracts, with ripe tomatoes being the richest source of lycopene.

Tomatoes are highly beneficial for vision health, thanks to their significant vitamin A and C content. Regular tomato consumption can improve vision, prevent night blindness, and even aid in thwarting macular degeneration, a serious eye ailment.

The advantages of tomatoes extend to skincare as well. Lycopene, a potent antioxidant found in tomatoes, shields the skin from sun-induced damage, which often manifests as wrinkles.

The use of tomatoes can even help treat acne, rashes, and minimize enlarged pores, making the skin less sensitive to harmful UV rays. Applying tomato pulp to lackluster skin areas can restore a vibrant and healthy complexion.

For optimal benefits, follow these recommendations:

1. Opt for red tomato varieties, as the higher the redness, the greater the lycopene content.

2. Consume ripe tomatoes, as the toxic compounds found in green, unripe tomatoes diminish as they ripen.

3. Cooking tomatoes enhances lycopene absorption. Heat facilitates the body's uptake of lycopene, making cooked tomatoes an excellent choice. Cooking them with a modest amount of oil further improves absorption.

Incorporating tomatoes into your diet can significantly enhance your skin and eye health, providing natural protection against sun-related damage and promoting overall well-being.