Foods to protect against the sun

30 Dec 2013

With summer well and truly upon us, you can never be too safe. They’re no replacement for sunscreen but these foods can definitely help your body fight the effects of too much sun. 

The role of diet in sun protection is overwhelming, yet it’s very rarely spoken about. Just as unhealthy food has a negative affect on overall wellbeing, healthy eating can positively influence and offer protection when it comes to health problems, including those sun-related ones.

There are some foods that boost our skin’s natural antioxidant levels and protect against UV radiation.

Cocoa

Cocoa contains phenols and catechins that protect skin from sunburn. The flavonoids found in dark chocolate also keep skin hydrated, increase oxygen saturation and boost blood flow.

Fish

Omega-3 fatty acids found in many foods, especially fatty fish, have anti-inflammatory powers. The compounds found in omega-3-rich foods, such as salmon, can protect cells from radial damage, like that caused by the sun.

Fruit and vegetables

We all know vegetables are good for us, but did you know they have a positive affect on our skin when exposed to the sun?

Lycopene, a natural antioxidant found in red produce, aids in the protection against some UV-induced skin irritations. Foods high in lycopene include watermelon, tomatoes, papaya, pink grapefruit, red capsicums and guava.

The vegetables are of course, the ‘typical’ healthy ones. Broccoli, kale and cauliflower are packed with antioxidants that help when fighting against sun damage. Then there are the super greens. If it’s green and leafy, chances are it’s great for sun protection.

Tea

Tea is proven to benefit the body in a number of ways. Filled with antioxidants called EGCGs, tea, particularly green tea, can help stop genetic damage in human cells that are exposed to UV light. A study has even found that people who drink one cup of tea every day are less likely to develop melanoma.

Water

Hydration is key when it comes to everyday life, especially when you’re in the heat and sunshine. Water, while keeping your insides hydrated, also keeps your skin hydrated, encouraging a healthy natural moisture factor.

Don’t become complacent

It’s important to remember that though these foods help, they do not replace sunscreen, hats and overall sun protection as recommended by the government bodies. It’s still just as important to expose your body to the right amount of sun – just enough to make sure you avoid a vitamin D deficiency, but not too much that you come home looking like a tomato. It’s also still just as important to slip, slop, slap, and cover up appropriately.