We all know the importance of using sunscreen protection creams to prevent our skin from getting sun damaged, but there are some foods that can help with that protection too. These foods contain antioxidants that give added protection. It’s not advised to use them by their self but as natural ways to complement sunscreen creams.
Lycopene
It’s normally coloured plants which contain useful antioxidants because it gives them a natural defence mechanism. It protects them from getting damaged by heat, light, air, moisture and time. When we eat these plants we obviously take in these antioxidants and over time we can build up an amount of protection for our skin cells.
Tomatoes are said to be particularly good for this as they are rich in lycopene, which is a compound that gives tomatoes their red color. Eating red tomatoes may help to reduce the impact of harmful UV radiation. Some people take lycopene as a supplement and it is thought to be generally safe, although it isn’t recommended during pregnancy. There has also been laboratory research which suggests taking it as a supplement might worsen established prostate cancer for those suffering from it.
Beta-carotene and Vitamin A
Beta-carotene is another of the natural ways to complement sunscreen creams. It can help to repair damaged skin cells and also give some protection against photo-aging that’s caused by continued exposure to the damaging UV rays from the sun. Carrots are packed with beta-carotene and if eaten regularly can help to reduce the intensity of sunburn. This antioxidant is said to be beneficial to those who sunburn easily and to help with an inherited disease, erythropoietic protoporphyria which causes hypersensitivity of the skin to sunlight.
Sweet potatoes are also rich in beta-carotene and vitamin A. They both work to help reduce various types of cancer but also help to repair any damage that’s been caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet rays. It’s not only reducing sun damage that sweet potatoes are good for, they can also help in improving the texture of the skin, reducing dark circles under the eyes and puffiness.
Anthocyanins
Anthocyanins are water soluble vacuolar pigments that give the purple color to blackberries, black currants, acari, dewberries, and elderberries. It’s a compound that is believed to have a number of benefits against various diseases including cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure and urinary tract infections. It also gives these blue and purple berries the ability to provide a natural SPF protection from the sun.
The way in which anthocyanins provide protection from harmful rays is by absorbing blue-green light and UV rays in plants. By eating the berries that contain this compound can help to build up some protection over time. These type of berries are often referred to as “super berries” because of the protection they can offer.
It’s All About Color
Brightly colored vegetables such as red, yellow and orange peppers can help to protect the skin by preventing the damage of thin fat layers which surround skin cells. This is due to the fact that they are rich in natural pigments, carotenoids. These have various health benefits including eye and cardiovascular health, but also in helping to protect skin tissue
Watermelon can also help to reduce the chance of getting sunburnt, plus it helps in treating it if you get it. It, like tomatoes, also contains lycopene which helps to protect from sun damage. Watermelon is also a natural toner as it provides an amount of hydration to the skin. It’s amazing the amount of natural ways to complement sunscreen creams.