Sunlight is one of the best sources of vitamin D but spending too much time outdoors with minimal protection can do you more harm than good. The ultraviolet rays coming from the sun can actually cause skin problems such as rashes, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles just to name a few. Even when you apply sunscreen, or wear shades and a hat, you’re still at the mercy of the sun. What you also need to complete your protection is to eat the right kinds of food to boost your defense against the harsh rays of the sun.
Superfoods to Add to Your Diet
When it comes to protecting your body against the damage that can be caused by the sun, you will need a lot of help. Fortunately, these superfoods are up to the task.
- Tomatoes. Tomatoes are perfect for fighting the dangers of sun exposure as they are packed with flavanols and lycopene. If you combine it with oil, your body will be able to absorb it better which means you will reap more of its benefits. You can make tomato juice or add slices to your salads and sandwiches.
- Spinach. Aside from being Popeye’s source of strength, spinach can also help provide you with protection against UV rays. This is due to the presence of zeaxanthin and lutein which are antioxidants that can slow down cell growth that is triggered by ultraviolet rays. This means that there will be less skin damage visible.
- Soy. Soy products like edamame, tofu, and soy milk are known to contain isoflavones that can increase collagen production. This will help slow down signs of aging such as wrinkles and cancer. Another reason why you should include soy in your diet is that it contains vitamin E which is essential for protecting your skin.
- Green tea. Drinking tea, specifically green and black tea, can provide you with protection against the radiation from ultraviolet rays. You can either sip on hot tea or a blend of iced tea infused with fruits as well as citrus if you like to get maximum protection from the antioxidants present in the ingredients. If you drink more than two cups of tea per day, you will be able to reduce your risk of getting cancer up to 30%.
- Watermelon. Watermelon Watermelon is the perfect choice when you need something refreshing to cool you down. But there is more to watermelon than just helping you hydrate yourself. This fruit contains lycopene as well as vitamins A and C which are known for their ability to protect you against the effects of the sun. Eating a cup of cubed watermelon can already provide you with plenty of vitamins A and C.
- Chocolate. Dark chocolate is another superfood that can help boost your protection against the sun. This particular food contains antioxidants that can fight off inflammation, lower stress levels, while at the same time giving your mental health the boost it needs.
- Olive oil. What makes olive oil a good choice when it comes sun-protection is that it contains healthy fats that fight inflammation and skin damage. If you want to use olive oil, you can dip whole wheat breads in it to satisfy your hunger while absorbing the benefits this particular can provide you with.
As you can see, eating the right kinds of food can actually help increase your skin’s protection against the sun’s rays especially when you’re the type of person who is always outdoors. Incorporating these superfoods into your diet can mean a lot to you in terms of health as you will be reaping their skin benefits in no time.
