Tomatoes - the delicious fountain of youth you always took for granted.

The summer heat is on, and what better way to quench your thirst than with a delicious fresh garden salad? And what salad can be without juicy sweet tomatoes? This delicious antioxidant fruit (often mistaken for a vegetable) does wonders for your health, and your skin!

Did you know that tomatoes are excellent blood purifiers, and the Nicotinic acid in tomatoes can help to reduce blood cholesterol (helping prevent heart disease)? In addition to that, tomatoes help decongest the liver (protecting it from cirrhosis). Vitamin K in tomatoes helps to prevent hemorrhages, and large consumption of tomato can help improve skin texture and color. And of course, lycopene (the red pigment in tomato), is a powerful antioxidant that can also fight cancer cells. This is also an ingredient used in SAIAN Strawberry Cleanser (which was featured in this month's issue of DAYSPA Magazine on p.70.

Nutraceuticals World | January 1, 2009 Tomato lycopene complex offers skin benefits.(Research Highlights)(Clinical report) 

A recently completed double-blind, placebo-controlled study indicates that supplementation with Lyc-O-Mato tomato extract, from LycoRed, helps protect the skin against damage from UV radiation by reducing sunburn cell formation and protecting the skin's immune system by slowing down the depletion of Langerhans cells, following exposure to UVB/UVA solar simulator.

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The use of tomato for skin care is ideal because of its cooling and astringent properties. It is rich in vitamin C making it helpful for acne and brightening dull skin and contains vitamin A needed for building healthy skin. Its naturally acidic properties help it balance the skin and get rid of excessive oil.

In the heat of summer, it is easy to get sunburned - fortunately this easy recipe will cool irritation and remove sunburn. Simply add 2 tsp tomato juice to 1/2 cup of plain yogurt. Apply it all over your skin. Wash it off after keeping it for 1/2 hour.

I recommend purchasing organic tomatoes from your local growers, whenever possible, or better yet - planting them yourself! Growing your own herbs, fruits and vegetables is a rewarding process that will yield natural produce without pesticides or hormones. Beautiful tomato plants are available at Trader Joe's starting this week (for under $5!) I picked one up, and placed it on my balcony! Can't wait until they ripen!