Tomatoes boast lycopene, a pigment that’s naturally found in the skin and can help prevent photodamage. While it also won’t replace sunscreen, this antioxidant can offer long-term protection against UV radiation and neutralize harmful free radicals, says dermatologist Rajani Katta, M.D.
Cooking tomatoes, like in sauce or stews, can actually increase the amount of lycopene (also a potent antioxidant) that the body can absorb.
Tomatoes are best stored at room temperature and away from direct sunlight. If you can’t use them before they spoil, then refrigerate them. They’re typically great to use within one week after ripening. Try this Mediterranean chicken bowl recipe that uses air-fried tomatoes for a burst of flavor and nutrition.
Mangoes are loaded with beta-carotene, which helps your skin repair itself, stay smooth, and even delay the appearance of wrinkles. They’re packed with vitamin A, which protects cells and helps them regenerate.
Research out of the University of California, Davis found that eating about half a cup of Ataulfo mangoes four times a week resulted in a significant decrease in deep wrinkles after just two months. But the findings are very specific, as women who ate a cup and a half of mangoes saw an increase in wrinkles, so these results show that moderation is key and too much of even a good thing may not be beneficial.
This mango salsa recipe is an innovative way to incorporate them into your weeknight dinner. When they’re out of season, you can get them frozen to add to smoothies, though other foods like winter squash and sweet potatoes are also rich in beta-carotene.