Lisa Tarbuck demonstrated the power of colourful veg last night on TV. The pigments giving the colour to the veg are great antioxidants.

Research has shown that patients who eat diets high in spinach or greens are less likely to develop macular degeneration. These and other green leafy vegetables (kale, mustard greens, and turnip greens) are excellent sources of lutein and zeaxanthin, both important macular pigments.

Eating spinach once a week actually improves vision by increasing the number of healthy cells in the macula at the back of the eye (retina). It is particularly valuable for the over 40’s

Eating tomatoes every day, with a spoonful of concentrated tomato puree added, protects the skin against UV light from the sun. The red pigment in tomatoes is called lycopene. Lycopene is a carotenoid antioxidant that may also have other health- promoting effects.

Try the excellent recipe for balsamic tomatoes from FarmingFriends