Seems British researchers are claiming that as little as five tablespoons per day of tomato paste may protect skin from premature aging and skin cancer!

In their study, the British researchers had 10 volunteers consume approximately 55 grams of standard tomato paste and 10 grams of olive oil each day. A separate group of 10 participants consumed only the olive oil.

Three months later, samples from the group who consumed the tomato paste showed a 33% greater protection against sunburn and much higher levels of procollagen, a molecule in the skin that provides structure and firmness.

“The tomato diet boosted the level of procollagen in the skin significantly. These increasing levels suggest potential reversal of the skin aging process,” Professor Lesley Rhodes, a dermatologist at the University of Manchester, told BBC News.

However, some warned that the study was small and that tomatoes should be seen as a “helpful addition” rather than an alternative to sunscreen and UV protective clothing.

Forget the plastic surgery… Pass the pasta please.