Summer is here and with it comes an increased risk of skin cancer due to sun damage. We all need to use sun protection. Whether it’s sunscreen, sunglasses, hats or spending time in the shade. However there are also foods that can play a part in protecting your skin health.
Nothing will replace the physical and chemical methods of sun protection. But like that famous saying goes: you are what you eat. Nutrition can help or hurt our immunity to illness and skin is the body’s largest organ. Protecting it is paramount to our overall health. So here are six foods that can help you fight skin damage:
- Blueberries
Rich in powerful antioxidants, blueberries fight off the free radicals that can cause skin damage due to sun exposure or stress. A bowl full of these delicious berries is also a very good source of vitamin C, an essential nutrient which can help prevent wrinkles. - Watermelon
This fruit’s superpower is lycopene which absorbs both UVA and UVB radiation. One study suggests that eating watermelon for several weeks can increase skin’s photo-protectivity. A watermelon wedge is the perfect summer snack for hot weather. - Carrots
In our bodies beta carotene gets converted into vitamin A, a vital nutrient for skin health. Research suggests that like lycopene, beta carotene increases skin’s defenses against UV irradiation after weeks of consumption. Baby carrots are a convenient summer staple - Cauliflower
This cruciferous vegetable contains powerful antioxidants to combat the oxidative stress from free radicals. It also contains histidine, an alpha-amino acid that stimulates the production of urocancic acid, which absorbs UV radiation. - Nuts and Seeds
Walnuts, hemp seeds, chia seeds and flax all contain omega 3 fatty acids. Omega-3s help maintain skin’s integrity and are known to be anti-inflammatory. Nothing could be simpler than trail mix to make sure you get your daily dose of this essential nutrient. - Green Tea
This delicious beverage reduces skin damage from UVA rays. It also protects against collagen depletion. Collagen gives skin its firmness and integrity. Green tea contains EGCG, a flavanol that led to fewer tumors caused by UV rays in mice.
So don’t neglect your diet when it comes to good skin health. A well-balanced diet that incorporates the foods above can help you and your family say sun healthy this season.
