Beauty benefits of Tomatoes

''You say tuhmAYto,

I say tuhmARto. 

You say, I say, you say, I say. 

Let's cool the whole thing ooooff.''

Well, no matter how any of us pronounce tomato, there is one thing we can't disagree about when it comes to this fruit, which just so happens to be an assumed vegetable for cooking purposes. And that is the nutritional value that it has, especially for our skin. It is the ultimate defence against the harmful affects of the sun, such as sunburn and sunlight ageing. It also aids in the reduction of acne and oily skin. Your skin just feels fresher and looks fairer after regular use of the home-made tomato facial mask (find the recipe at the end of this post.)

Most skincare products contain tomato. After all, most beauty care products contain some sort of natural product. So why is tomato the popular choice when it comes to skin? 

The answer lies in what this juicy fruit contains:

Lycopene

This is a powerful antioxidant with many health benefits and tomatoes are the best source thereof. Our body contains free radicals, which are also known as oxidants. These are by-products of the natural cell metabolism that continuously takes place in our bodies. They are harmful in that they cause damage to the healthy cells. It is toxic molecules in cells, produced during the process of breaking down food. 

Lycopene attacks these free radicals and neutralizes their harmful affects. It is this function that aids in a reduced risk of cancer, especially in the prostate, as well as heart disease and macular degeneration. Where our skin is concerned, by neutralizing the free radicals that age our skin, it is an anti-ageing agent. A study carried out by Mark Birch-Machin of New-castle University showed that women eating a diet rich in processed tomatoes had increased skin protection.

The recommended dosage of Lycopene is 16 mg per day. Over-consumption can lead to lycopedermia. This is a condition where the lycopene accumulates in the liver and skin, causing the latter to become orange-yellow in colour. It is however not harmful and only temporary.

The highest levels of lycopene are found when the tomato is processed or cooked. Tomato paste, soup, ketchup and juice are good sources.

Here are 2 home made remedies that contain tomatoes:

| 1 |

 Tomato Honey Facial Mask:

Rejuvenates and nourishes aging or dry skin. Helps fade dark spots and blemishes.

Ingredients:

- 1 tablespoon organic tomato pulp

- 1 teaspoon honey

- 1 teaspoon plain yogurt

Steps:

- Wash face thoroughly

- Mix ingredients until well combined

- Apply the paste to your face and neck

- Lie down and relax for 20 to 30 minutes

- Wash off thoroughly with lukewarm water

- Apply your favourite moisturizer

| 2 |

Acne and Blackhead Healing Tomato Facial Mask

Ingredient:

Tomato Pulp.

Here's how to make it:

- Slice the tomato and mash it into a pulp using a fork or spoon. 

OR

- Use a mortar and pestle if you have one. This is easier than using a spoon or fork.

OR

- If you are cooking a dish, you can scoop out the inside of the tomato and store it's juicy parts in the fridge. for later use, or use it immediately.

image source: http://www.thediysecrets.com/

So there you have it. Save some cash and leave the expensive skin products on the shopping shelves. You have the best source for your skincare right in your kitchen. And the best part is that the price is close to free (at least compared to the exorbitant prices of shop products.)

Now make your way to the kitchen and get that skin glowing!

Until next time,

much love.

Angel

xoxo