Imagine we could eat sunscreen. Okay, don’t imagine it – because we would imagine it would taste pretty gross. Instead, let’s imagine if we could eat certain delicious and nutritious foods that could provide us with the same benefits of sunscreen. Yeah – that’s what we meant!
Well, in case the title of this week’s blog didn’t already give it away, there are numerous tasty treats that have skin repairing qualities. Now, let us make clear that there truly is no substitution for sunscreen. We stand by our regular insistence that you should wear it all times. However, there are some foods that can assist you in keeping your skin protected from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Fish, tea, fruits and veggies.
It’s an interesting combination, isn’t it? Nevertheless, the trio has been known to produce some very skin-healthy results. According to Sally Wadyka of Consumer Reports, consuming all three has actually been proven by research to decrease the risk of getting skin cancer.
“A 2008 study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology suggests that there are protective effects from weekly consumption of fish, daily tea drinking, and a high intake of vegetables (especially carrots, cruciferous vegetables, and leafy greens) and fruit (especially citrus),” she informs us, “According to the researchers, following a Mediterranean diet that focuses on these foods may reduce the risk of melanoma by about half.”
Nuts and seeds.
What some may consider “bird food”, others regard as staples of their diets. Nuts and seeds are incredibly healthy for you. Just ask Kristen Ciccolini. She is a Boston-based holistic nutritionist and the founder of Good Witch Kitchen. On Healthline.com, she explains that, in addition to fish and eggs, walnuts, hemp seeds, chia seeds and flax all contain omega-3 essential fatty acids. Since our bodies can’t make omega-3s, it’s essential we get them from our diet.
“What do omega-3s do for your skin?” she queries, “They help maintain your skin’s integrity and are anti-inflammatory, too. Omega-3s also help your body naturally cope with the effects of spending a little too much time in the sun.”
Cauliflower.
We’ve already pointed out that eating vegetables can help to prevent sun damage. However, there is one vegetable, in particular, that is a natural sun-protective food. Ciccolini reveals that cauliflower contains histidine, which is an alpha-amino acid that stimulates the production of urocanic acid. This acid absorbs UV radiation, making cauliflower a great UV ray deflector!
Ciccolini also notes more of the vegetable’s sun damage-fighting qualities. “Don’t let cauliflower’s pale florets fool you,” she advises, “Cauliflower contains potent antioxidants that help fight off oxidative stress from free radicals.”
No food can replace sunscreen.
As we’ve already noted, your diet is not meant to be a replacement for sunscreen use. Even though the above mentioned foods can help with the process, true protection from sun damage comes by way of using sunscreen each day.
Just a reminder that our Summer Skin Revival offer ends this Friday! Up until July 14, you can get a Deluxe HydraFacial for the price of a Signature HydraFacial. That’s a $50 savings! To book an appointment, please don’t hesitate to call Aurora Skin & Vein at 403-358-5818. You may also email us at amlvc@telus.net.