There are many ways to protect our skin. We can use special lotions that enhance its natural defenses, but they don't last very long and require re-applying. They can also add up to quite the expense. You can wear protective clothes, but in the summer it gets hot and stuffy. You can stay home, but that takes all the fun out of the season.
Here's another idea - eat foods that naturally protect you. These 9 foods contribute something to the fight between your skin and the harmful UV rays of the sun. Learn about all of them, and start protecting your skin against damage and the formation of cancer.
1. Strawberries vs. wrinkles
Strawberries have one of the largest concentration of vitamin C and have the power to hold off wrinkles, as well as help prevent the loss of skin elasticity that comes with the years. These are the findings of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition - the power of vitamin C to hold off wrinkles comes from its ability to get rid of those free radicals created by the sun's ultraviolet rays as well as its role in manufacturing collagen, the material most responsible for the health and vitality of our skin. You can find lots of vitamin C in red peppers, broccoli and citrus fruit as well.
2. Coffee vs. Skin Cancer
A study published in the European Journal of Cancer discovered that a cup of coffee once a day can decrease the risk of skin cancer. The study checked 93 thousand women and discovered that a daily dose of coffee significantly reduced the risk of the disease. The caffeine, also existing to a lesser degree in tea, helps kill off pre-cancer cells and damaged skin cells by blocking the protein they need to make fast replications (which can lead to cancer).
3. Tomatoes vs. Sun damage
The red color of the tomato is its secret weapon for protection from the sun's harmful rays. It is a pigment, a carotenoid called lycophen, that filters the radiation of the sun and prevents the tomato from being damaged. This same effect works for the human body as well, as proven by a study that examined how an addition of tomato sauce to your daily diet affects the skin's resiliency.
The study discovered that 2.5 tablespoons of tomato sauce a day is enough to significantly decrease the damage our skin takes from the sun. This same effect can be achieved by drinking 1 and 2/3 of a glass of carrot juice every day, as carrots also contain carotenoid pigments. In fact, all red-orange foods will give this result, such as pumpkins, certain yams, etc.
4. Soy beans vs. Flabby skin
Soy is rich in a group of chemical compounds called isoflavones. A recent American study found that these compounds help prevent the wrinkles that occur as a result of ultraviolet radiation. The isoflavones prevent the deconstruction of collagen, the material that keeps our skin tight and flexible. This compound exists in all soy products, such as soy milk, tofu etc.
5. Corn vs. Sun Damage
Corn has a yellow pigment called Lutein which is quite similar to the pigment found in tomatoes. Like the tomatoes, this is a chemical mechanism humans can benefit from, and the pigment supplies the skin with the protection it needs against the sun's rays. Lutein can also be found in egg yolk and spinach, and not only does it help the skin, but also the eyes, keeping them safer from macular damage.
6. Salmon Vs. Pre-Cancer cells
The omega-3 fatty acid found in salmon has many health properties. One of the most important ones is protecting our cells from free radicals caused by UV light. Research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition kept track of 1,100 Australians, who got a lot of sun exposure, for 5 years, checking their eating habits. Findings showed a whopping decrease of 30% in the formation of pre-cancer cells for those living on a diet rich in fish with high omega-3 levels, such as salmon, tuna and sardines. In addition, omega-3 helps the body keep its collagen levels.
7. Sweet Potatoes vs. Aging
Sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene which is converted into vitamin A in our bodies. Vitamin A plays a crucial role in promoting skin health. It helps in keeping the skin soft, smooth, and wrinkle-free. It also aids in repairing skin tissues and protecting against damage from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. A serving of sweet potato can provide more than enough of your daily vitamin A needs. Carrots are also a great source of beta-carotene, so consider including them in your meals too.
8. Avocados vs. Skin Damage
Avocados are rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and antioxidants that can improve your skin from the inside. They contain vitamins E and C, which are critical for skin health. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant that helps protect your skin from oxidative damage, and vitamin C is key for collagen production, which keeps your skin firm and healthy. Incorporate avocados in your diet by adding them to salads, making guacamole, or even using them in smoothies.
9. Almonds vs. Dry Skin
Almonds are rich in vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun. Furthermore, vitamin E helps maintain skin moisture, making almonds excellent for preventing dry skin. You can enjoy almonds as a snack, add them to your salads, or even use almond oil for cooking. Other sources of vitamin E include sunflower seeds, spinach, and broccoli.
Cover photo courtesy of stockimages / freedigitalphotos.net
