Protect your skin with these sun-blocker foods
The sun has officially peeked out of the clouds, and here in the Northwest folks are trading the indoors for any piece of grass they can find. While we Seattleites are limited in overall sun exposure (sometimes very, very limited), we should still take some precautionary measures to protect our skin.  Studies have shown that certain nutrients in foods can act as a type of sunblock-er. While a good topical sunscreen, and a fashionable floppy hat are always advised, our diet can also help protect our skin. Here’s a list of a few of my favorite sun-blocking foods that taste delicious, and can also give your skin the extra protection that it needs this summer.

  • Leafy Greens: High in lutein and zeaxanthin (a type of vitamin that can help prevent skin discoloration), leafy greens can help protect your cells from the damaging effects of free radicals, caused from sun-induced inflammation and extended sun exposure.
  • Watermelon: Rich in lycopene, a bright red carotenoid that has been shown to protect our skin from harmful UV damage, watermelons can help reduce the risk for skin cancer. Watermelons have 40 percent more lycopene than tomatoes, and nibbling on this water-rich fruit can help protect you from sunburns and sun damage.
  • Wild Salmon: Choose wild salmon to help protect from a UV-induced sunburn and cancerous changes in DNA.
  • Oranges, Limes, and Lemons: These citrus foods contain limonene, which is highly concentrated in the rind. Studies show that the presence of limonene in the body can reduce the risk for skin cancer by 30%.
  • Green Tea: Green tea’s potent antioxidants protect your DNA from damage caused by light/sun exposure.
  • Raw Cacao: Chocolate has become recognized as an antioxidant-rich food that can help shield the skin against sun damage.

I hope that you enjoy this summer’s beautiful sunshine, soak in some Vitamin D, and of course, protect yourself from the sun’s damaging rays.

In health and wellness,

Erin

 

 

 

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