A TOMATO a day may keep skin cancer at bay - in fact, it could cut the development of skin cancer by half.
Researchers from Ohio State University in the US found male mice fed a diet of 10 per cent tomato powder daily for 35 weeks, and then exposed to ultra violet light, experienced on average 50 per cent less tumours than mice fed no tomato.
"The theory behind the relationship between tomatoes and cancer is that dietary carotenoids, the pigmenting compounds that give tomatoes their colour, may protect skin against UV light damage," said the study's co-author Jessica Cooperstone.
While the research showed no difference in tumour growth for females, previous studies show male mice develop bigger and more aggressive tumours earlier after UV exposure.
Previous studies on humans suggest eating tomato paste can help with sunburn. This is possibly a result of the carotenoids being deposited in the skin after eating.
"Lycopene, the primary carotenoid in tomatoes, has been shown to be the most effective antioxidant of these pigments," the researchers said.
"However when comparing lycopene administered from a whole food or a synthesised supplement, tomatoes appear more effective in preventing redness after UV exposure, suggesting other compounds in tomatoes may also be at play."
The results were published online in Scientific Reports.