Edible Sun Protection

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

We are looking forward to summer to enjoy sunny days. But it is always worth remembering that the sun itself is not entirely favorable to us, and being under its rays for a long time is dangerous to health. In addition to clothing, hats, water and special cosmetics, certain products can protect against the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation

As soon as the sun peeps out from behind the clouds, most summer residents get to work. Often, being carried away, they do not notice how harmful ultraviolet radiation adversely affects their well-being and health in general. Indeed, in addition to sunstroke, overheating and burns, regular and prolonged sunbathing can provoke the development of skin cancer, the appearance of wrinkles and age spots. Our skin needs constant UV protection at any time of the year.

A person's arsenal contains a lot of useful things that protect his skin from the sun: hats, clothes that cover most of the body, sunglasses, special cosmetics, umbrellas, water … It turns out that some food products can be safely included in this list.

Citruses

They are very rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that protects against the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. American researchers have noticed that the accumulation of vitamin C in the layers of the skin (dermis and epidermis) provides significant protection from the sun's UV radiation. Vitamin C has regenerative properties and reduces free radicals in the cell, helping to prevent skin cancer, sunburn, age spots and, in some cases, discoloration and aging of the skin. Most of all vitamin C is found not in lemons, as many might think, but in oranges.

Watermelon

This melon culture is able not only to give our body wonderful coolness on hot days, but also to become a natural protection for the skin from the sun's rays. Watermelon contains a lot of the antioxidant lycopene, which is also found in tomatoes. Lycopene helps to halve the buildup of free radicals in the skin. This protects the skin from the risk of skin cancer, sunburn and sun spots, as all of these harmful effects from the sun are largely due to the buildup of free radicals.

Salmon

Salmon and other red fish are known to be rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Studies have shown that these acids have good anti-inflammatory effects and help reduce the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. The inclusion of salmon in the diet suggests protection from the inflammatory effects of sunlight and therefore helps protect the skin from sunburn, sun spots, and skin cancer.

Carrot

Carrots contain another beneficial antioxidant, beta-carotene, as well as lycopene, which has sunscreen properties. It accelerates skin regeneration after sunburn and even reduces excess sunburn. But not only carrots are rich in this miraculous antioxidant: it is found in many fruits and vegetables (zucchini, apricots, dark greens, pumpkin, beets, all varieties of cabbage, etc.).

Dark chocolate

This healthy treat contains flavonols that provide sun protection. It is important to eat the darkest chocolate, without sugar and various additives. Research has shown that flavonols absorb UV radiation from the sun, acting as a filter that protects the skin. With prolonged consumption of "chocolate" flavonols, the skin acquires not only UV protection, but also improves its structure - it becomes smooth and beautiful.

Tomatoes

Have you ever wondered: "Why are ripe tomatoes red?" Lycopene is to blame for everything, giving ripe tomatoes a red color. Lycopene, as mentioned above, copes well with the harmful effects of sunlight, since it has antioxidant properties.

Berries

What is summer without berries? Almost all garden berries are rich in vitamin C, which is excellent at fighting free radicals from ultraviolet rays. And cherries also contain melatonin, which can "repair" sun-damaged skin cells.

Apples

Towards the end of the summer, it is useful to "snuggle" on apples, especially red ones. It was in their peel that Japanese scientists discovered special phytochemicals (procyanidins) that prevent skin cancer and repair damaged cells. Red apple polyphenol quercetin can protect DNA from mutations leading to cancer.

Nuts and seeds

They are a source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects the skin from UV rays. Especially useful are pumpkin and sunflower seeds, almonds. An exotic fruit - avocado - is very rich in vitamin E.

Mushrooms

Quiet hunting mushrooms are rich in selenium, which is necessary to obtain another beneficial antioxidant for the skin - glutathione peroxidase. It stops free radicals that appear after prolonged sunburn.

Safe sun for you!