By checking nuns in older age Dr Snowdon found that the higher the lycopene levels in their blood was the better their health was.

The far most important source of lycopene -which is well absorbed- comes from tomatoes, especially tomato-paste, less so from juice or sauce, but these are still good sources.

Fresh tomatoes contain far less lycopene just the same as water melon and pink grapefruit. So if you like tomato products you know what to choose. Also two spoons of tomato-paste can dramatically increase immunity [ preventing DNA damage], not a bad idea these days!

I hope that in a week or so I will still be able to find some tomato paste for my family…….