Home and Garden

June 21, 2012

And the dietary elixir of youth is...tomatoes!

(http://infonews.co.nz/news.cfm?id=91899)

Tomatoes have been hailed as a key factor in maintaining youthful-looking skin, in a scientific study released this week.

Research presented to the UK's Royal Society of Medicine, found that eating tomatoes reduces sun damage ad boosts levels of procollagen, the molecule which gives skin its structure, maintaining elasticity.


The study also found further evidence to suggest that tomato consumption can help minimize the onset of wrinkles.  Volunteers, who ate tomato paste daily for a fortnight, suffered less damage to mitochondrial DNA which is also believed to be linked to skin ageing.

The researchers credit lycopene, the natural pigment that makes tomatoes red, with providing the age defying health benefits.  Leading New Zealand skincare company Trilogy has already embraced the benefits of lycopene, using extracts from tomatoes in its new Rosehip Oil Antioxidant and Tomato Seed Oil.

It's widely known that lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals which may cause damage to cell components," she said.  "But it is very interesting to hear of tomato consumption being linked directly to increased protection against sunburn and more youthful looking skin.

"There are also many other proven health benefits of eating tomatoes.  There is strong scientific evidence for a role of lycopene in reducing the incidence of prostate cancer.

"It may also help reduce the incidence of other cancers and cardiovascular diseases and play a role in eye health and is also a good source of vitamin C, fibre, folic acid, potassium and other vitamins."

Watch out for more posts about the benefits of tomatoes, planting tomatoes and some suggested tomato recipes.

=======================================================================

July 9, 2011

I found these cute garden accents from Gnome Frenzy.

"You are just lazy, G!  Get back to WORK!"

"Hey! Didn't you KNOW this is a public PLACE?"

"Ahhh!!  You are not really SHY, are you?"

July 8, 2011

"Why are we here?!"

The famous gnomes in the garden.  We love to see them around, better if they are yet shiny and colors vibrant.

These fellas started appearing in gardens in the 19th century in Germany, where they were known as Gartenzwerg, meaning garden dwarf. They had become famous that not before long, they spread their popularity to the four corners of the world.

 

"You are pale, honey."

I heard stories that these cute ones become playful while the moon is in shadows.  Have you any encounters or perhaps, stories from granny?

Come, share them here.