Unlock the secret of youth with tomatoes: the household vegetable that slows aging, Dr. Michael Mosley reveals

Tomatoes, these ever-popular ingredients in salads and sandwiches, are not only delicious but also beneficial for maintaining a youthful appearance and promoting heart health, says British expert Dr. Michael Mosley. Incorporating this super vegetable into our daily diet can substantially benefit our bodies. Discover why it's worthwhile keeping tomatoes in your refrigerator and what beneficial properties they hold.

Tomatoes are enriched with lycopene, a carotenoid pigment that gives them their distinctive red color. Lycopene is a potent antioxidant that helps fight against free radicals – damaging molecules responsible for cell destruction and accelerated aging.

Dr. Mosley highlights that heating tomatoes enhances lycopene absorption. This occurs because the heating process breaks down the rigid cell walls of the tomato, releasing the lycopene. This implies that consuming cooked tomatoes (for example, in sauces or soups) provides more health benefits than eating them raw.

Tomatoes not only safeguard cells from harm but can also boost the level of collagen, a protein responsible for the skin's firmness and elasticity. Studies demonstrate that individuals who consume tomatoes regularly are less prone to sunburns and possess smoother, more radiant skin.

Tomatoes are an incredibly adaptable vegetable that can be consumed in various ways. Add them to salads, sandwiches, sauces, soups, and desserts. Here are a few suggestions for delicious and healthy dishes with tomatoes:

• Pasta with tomato sauce,
• Tomato soup garnished with basil,
• Caprese salad made with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil,
• Frittata combined with tomatoes and ham,
• Baked tomatoes topped with feta cheese.

By regularly consuming tomatoes, you can amplify the taste of your meals, contribute to your health, and maintain a youthful skin appearance.