Eating to Protect Your Skin
By Donna Stark
It's been a long winter and the milder weather that is starting to pop up has everyone itching to be outside. But for those who are enjoying these perfect days under the sun, many will be making a mistake, because in their excitement to have the sun's rays beating down on them, they won't even give it a thought to pull out their sunscreen. In fact, it's easy to push that bottle of sunscreen to the side when we aren't yet sunbathing on the beach in the middle of summer, but let's be real here. Sun damage doesn't need those hot, hazy, and humid days to strike, so you have got to protect yourself in every way possible throughout the year.
Sunscreen and More
It's important to protect your skin from the damaging rays of the sun; obviously, sunscreen is one of the best options to do so. You can also wear hats and cover your body with clothes, but if you want a more tasty way to keep your skin safe, try eating the right kind of food! Yes, you read that right. Certain foods can significantly boost your skin's natural SPF. Take a look.
- Vitamin C foods - Studies show that Vitamin C may help prevent cancer cells from forming and can boost collagen production in the skin, so stock up on lemons, oranges, strawberries, and kiwi
- Tomatoes and watermelon - Tomatoes and watermelon are packed with the heart-healthy antioxidant lycopene, which can help to increase sun protection and keep your skin looking beautiful
- Orange and red foods - Foods rich in beta-carotene, such as carrots, bell peppers, mangoes, sweet potatoes, and cantaloupe are loaded with antioxidants and vitamins that may protect your eyes and skin from sun damage
- Green tea - Green tea is packed with antioxidants and drinking it every day has been shown to stop skin cell damage and significantly reduce the risk of skin cancer
- Dark leafy greens - Leafy greens, such as spinach, kale, and Swiss chard, are full of antioxidants that may protect you from the sun, halt the cell growth of certain tumors, and stop the recurrence of skin cancer in people who have previously been treated
- Pomegranates - Pomegranates have been shown to strengthen skin and protect it from the sun's rays, which is why you may often see skin care products containing its extract
- Water - Making sure you are properly hydrated has so many health benefits for your skin and enables it to fight against the damage of the sun
Protect Your Skin All Year
Just because you aren't drenched in sweat and baking on a beach doesn't mean that you don't have to think about protecting your skin from the sun. Healthy skin is a vital component to your overall health, so stay smart. Use that sunscreen and enhance its protection with delicious food!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Bloomington, Minn.