As an add-on to our last two blog posts about natural sunscreen and Vitamin D absorption, we wanted to finish up with a review of some even more natural ways to build your body’s own natural Sun Protection Factor!
Did you know that you can improve your body’s reaction to sun exposure through diet?
That’s right! Since the foods that we eat can contribute to the health of our skin, this means that they can also play an integral role in how our skin handles the elements, including the sun. Eating the RIGHT kinds of foods can help your body build its’ defenses against harmful rays, and eating the WRONG foods can cause your skin to burn more easily!
A sunburn is essentially your bodies inflammatory response to damage. So if we begin to eat foods that improve our body’s immune response then we can help to heal this inflammation, and even avoid it from happening!
Want to help boost your Natural SPF!?
Try to Load up on these foods
- Healthy Saturated Fats
- Dark, Leafy Greens
- Foods rich in Omega 3’s
- “Red” foods
And stay away from these foods
- Processed foods
- Foods containing vegetable oils
Taking it even one step further, here are some superfoods to give your skin an EXTRA BOOST of SPF!
LYCOPENE – an antioxidant which has been proven to provide long-term protection against UV-radiation-induced effects and reduce your skin’s sensitivity to sun!
Look for it in: Tomatoes and tomato-based products, as well as watermelon.
ANTIOXIDANTS – substances that are capable of counteracting the damaging effects of the physiological process ofoxidation in our tissue.
Look for it in: Dark Leafy greens, berries. Remember, the darker the better!
BETA CAROTENE – an antioxidant that both protects and repairs cells from photo-aging.
Look for it in: sweet potatoes, carrots
VITAMIN C – helps eliminate free radicals that your body produces in response to the cellular damage caused by exposure to sunlight.
Look for it in: Strawberries, Kiwis & Oranges.
VITAMIN E – another powerful antioxidant that protects against sun damage. It has also been proven to slow the aging of skin cells and help diminish the appearance of scars.
Look for it in: Almonds & Sunflower Seeds
TRITERPENOIDS – have been proven to block or kill cancer cells in lab tests. Triterpenoids are commonly found in fruits and vegetable that have a soft, edible peel of some sort.
Look for it in: Apples, grapes, olives, tomatoes and other fruits and vegetable with an edible peel.
*** Here’s a great paper that was published regarding the use of triterpenoids for cancer prevention and treatment: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21466427
And read This Article for a somewhat lengthy but very interesting article all about triterpenoids.
OMEGA 3’s have the ability to reduce the risk of sunburn and promote even skin tone,
Look for it in: Red Snapper Fish, salmon
FLAVANOIDS – amazing antioxidants which help to protect the body from sun damage.
Look for it in: Dark Chocolate & Red wine
Remember, your skin is your Largest Organ. TREAT IT WELL.
Until Next Time,