pElAgUS' 

People with a normal diet can make their skin look younger by including lots of tomatoes and red paprika in their meals, German magazine The Dermatologist said in its latest issue.

Free radicals - unstable oxygen molecules - are a major factor in premature skin aging and skin cancer. Antioxidants contained in the body stop free-radical damage.

However, the body cannot produce enough antioxidants on its own and has to make up for them with ingredients such as Vitamins A, C, D and E as well as beta-carotene.

Vegetables such as carrots, tomatoes, paprika and kale contain plenty of antioxidants, as does green tea.

A study conducted at the Berlin Charite hospital found that people with a high concentration of antioxidants in the skin look younger because they have fewer wrinkles, The Dermatologist said.

The study showed that vegetarians had more antioxidants in their bodies than non-vegetarians.

The magazine warned that an "overdose" of antioxidants through a large intake of food supplements could accelerate free radical damage. However, this was unlikely if supplements were omitted and fruit and vegetables were eaten instead.

--DPA