Sunscreen remains the most effective method of preventing the dreaded skin cancer that seems to strike even at young ages. However, using sunscreen is not the only way to protect ourselves from the potential dangers. Turns out that the foods we eat can have an important sun protecting properties as well. Learn what foods to include in your diet to enjoy extra sun protection.
The main rules for preventing sun cancer seem simple enough:
wear sunscreen, reapply it often, avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m
and 4 p.m and wear protective accessories whenever possible. In
reality, however, things are a little more complicated. With the
uncertainty of the amount of time sunscreen offers the best
protection, how much SPF is really needed for adequate protection,
whether or not makeup with SPF is really enough to protect our
skin, we could all use some tips on how to apply sunscreen
effectively.
But whether you apply sunscreen religiously or you are less
diligent than you probably should be, finding additional ways to
protect yourself from the potential dangers is always a good idea.
If you are trying to improve your dietary habits, you'll probably
be excited to know that your efforts can help you in more than one
area. Certain foods can help you prevent sunburns thanks to a
variety of protective compounds. Here are a few foods you might
want to include in your diet:
Cruciferous vegetables
Broccolli, kale or cauliflower are great choices if you wish to
boost your vitamin and antioxidants intake. These vegetables are
effective in preventing a variety of cancers thanks to the amazing
compounds and phytochemicals they contain. In addition, brussel
sprouts contain sulforaphane, a compound that is believed to
increase the skin's ability to protect itself against cancer.
Cantaloupe
Cantaloupes have an impressive amount of beta-caroten, an
antioxidant which has proven effective in fighting skin damage
caused by ultraviolet rays, helping the skin repair itself.
Although other melons have a similar properties, cantaloupes have
the highest concentration of beta-caroten and vitamin C, another
important nutrient that promotes healthy skin.
Dark chocolate
Scientists are beginning to uncover the amazing benefits that this
tasty treat has to offer. Apparently, cocoa beans reduce the skin's
sensitivity to sun rays, which can be especially beneficial if you
are on a medication which has increased sun sensitivity as a side
effect. Looking for a chocolate with a high cocoa content is best
if you wish to get all the benefits.
Fish
The benefits that omega 3 fatty acids have to offer to our body are
truly incredible. Aside from all the heart health benefits these
compounds provide, omega 3 acids also help fight inflammation and
help prevent sunburns. The protein contained in fish also help
repair damaged skin cells. Three servings of fish per week might be
needed to get these skin enhancing benefits. But, while tuna and
salmon are good choices, you might want to consider limiting
swordfish, shark, king mackerel, and tile fish as these tend to be
high in mercury.
Pink grapefruit
Pink grapefruit is a wonderful source of licopene, an antioxidant
which can enhance the skin's natural defense against free radicals
by a whopping 33%. But pink grapefruit is not the only good source
of licopene. Tomatoes, watermelon, apricots or papaya have similar
benefits as they contain important amounts of this powerful
compound.
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