Slathering sunscreen on the skin surface may seem the easiest option to avoid sun damage, but one should keep in mind that the effect of sunscreen is only temporary. So what do we have to do in order to protect the skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun for a longer period of time? The answer lies in the food you eat! Yes, did you know that food items could also act as sunscreen? Read on to know the names of foods that keep skin protected from sun damage.
Woman with freshly collected cherries in his hands
10 Foods to Protect from Sun Damage
Fish rich in omega3 – Examples of such fish are fatty fishes and shellfish. The omega3 acts as an anti inflammatory agent that protects skin cells from the free radicals generated by sun’s rays. Studies suggest that proteins in these types of fishes prevent skin cancer by blocking damage caused by sun’s rays.
Dark chocolate – Flavonoids in dark chocolate are the best nutrient when it comes to preventing sun burns induced by ultraviolet rays. Dark chocolate also protects skin tissues from sun damage by increasing the oxygen saturation in blood.
Green vegetables – Green herbs like basil, spinach, parsley and rosemary contain the antioxidants carotenoids and polyphenols that fight free radicals generated by sun’s rays.
Cruciferous vegetables – Cauliflower, broccoli and kale fall under the category of these types of vegetables. They contain a mineral called sulforaphane that enhances the ability of the human skin tissues to protect themselves against sun’s rays. They are also rich sources of antioxidants that fight against the free radicals settling on the skin’s surface with prolonged exposure to the sun.
Tomato – Tomatoes have high carotenoid content. This is a type of antioxidant that helps to reduce the causes of sunburns. Tomato is the best example of a red fruit that contains a pigment which aids in reducing skin irritation caused by sun’s rays.
Flax seed and walnut – These foods are especially recommended for vegetarians. These are rich in omega3; so do not fret if you don’t consume fish.
Crimini mushroom – This is a variety of mushroom that is rare but very effective as a sun guard. This kind of mushroom contains selenium. It is a type of mineral that increases the production of antioxidants in the body. The antioxidants fight the free radicals which may affect your skin if it is exposed to harsh sunlight.
Watermelon – The fruit contains lycopene. This nutrient is very effective in absorbing free radicals which are produced by every type of skin on exposure to the sun. Since lycopene helps to mop up the radicals as soon as they are produced, your skin is not affected by sunburns at all.
Tart cherry – This fruit is a rich source of the pigment melatonin. If your skin has already been affected by sunburns, use tart cherry to repair the damaged cells. The vitamin C in the fruit helps in the buildup of collagen which repairs the damaged skin.
Pomegranate – Eat this seasonal fruit for high antioxidant percentage in your blood so that it may be able to fight the UV rays. In fact, all citrus fruits which are red, orange, or pink in color are effective as natural sunscreens.