Why pair tomato intake with healthy fat for skin defense mechanisms?

Because lycopene is fat-soluble

The enhancement of skin defense against environmental stressors, particularly damage induced by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, is largely attributed to lycopene. A crucial characteristic of lycopene, as detailed in nutritional analysis, is that it is a fat-soluble compound. This solubility dictates how the body processes it for systemic use. To maximize the quantity of this protective antioxidant that the body can effectively absorb and utilize for bolstering internal defense systems, it is highly recommended to consume tomatoes alongside a source of healthy fat. This simple dietary adjustment, such as drizzling olive oil onto sliced tomatoes or incorporating them into a sauce that contains oil, significantly increases the bioavailability of the lycopene, allowing it to better protect skin tissues from oxidative damage that accelerates aging.