La Tomatina Festival
The tomato throwing festival that occurs each year in Valencia, Spain was this year celebrated by Google with a new Google Doodle. Its not quite clear how the 70 year old festival began but the idea is to throw as many of the 1000 kgs of tomato pulp at anyone and everyone until either the tomatoes run out or you find yourself so drenched in tomato puree that you get the pip and decide to squelch and squish off home as reported in this article by The Independent this week.
Tomatoes are a great source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C they contain very few calories and can be eaten raw or enjoyed in so many ways when cooked. I myself am rather partial to a Bloody Mary now and again with lashings of Worcester Sauce and a dash of Tabasco.
It is the carotenoid called Lycopene that gives the tomato its bright colour that is particularly linked with anti ageing. Lycopene is a really powerful antioxidant it not only protects against Ultra Violet ( UV ) damage but can also help to protect against damaging bacteria, with studies suggesting it has both antibacterial and anti fungal properties. The protective effect of Lycopene also appears to defend our DNA and has been shown to stimulate enzymes that may deactivate carcinogens.
Dr Leah Totton writing in The Evening Standard this week lists tomatoes as one of her favourite foods for skin health theres no doubt that by increasing our intake of proper food and decreasing processed foods we will feel healthier and in turn your skin will thank you for it.
Personally I am partial to a pinch of Piri Piri in mine, but this Bloody Mary recipe by Jamie Oliver really aint half bad and knowing its probably a skin friendly drink, yes this summer mines been a Bloody Mary.
Chin Chin
