What can we use instead of sunscreen? Is there an alternative to these products? With what diet can we prevent this? What are the different recommendations in this field?
Frequent use of sunscreen is certainly one of the most important steps to protect your skin from the sun’s UV damage, but having a proper diet can also minimize the damage. You may not believe it, but following a Mediterranean diet can reduce the risk of skin cancer and delay the aging process. Therefore, in this article, we have referred to foods that are rich in antioxidants and are recommended to reduce the damage of ultraviolet rays.
1- Tomatoes
Choose the reddest tomatoes to eat because the bolder the vegetable, the more lycopene it has. Studies have shown that taking lycopene prevents skin damage that may be caused by sunlight and even sunburn. For this reason, it is recommended to add fresh cultured tomatoes to your food (such as pasta), because by heating tomatoes, this compound is valued by plant cells and has an effect on the skin cells of the body.
2- Pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of zinc; A mineral that has antioxidant properties and is an anti-inflammatory. In addition, regular intake of zinc, minimizes the damage of ultraviolet rays and does not stain the skin. In addition, it nourishes the immune system and minimizes the growth of bacteria that cause acne on the skin.
3- Green tea
Get in the habit of drinking a cup of green or white tea a day. These teas contain polyphenolic compounds (called catechins) that prevent the growth of cancer cells and are therefore recommended for skin health. Of course, it is better to drink tea with a minimum of sugar because simple sugars increase the background of inflammation and accelerate the aging process of the skin.
4- Broccoli
Numerous studies have shown that eating vegetables from the cabbage family such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts and even white and red cabbage prevents cancer and inhibits the growth of cancer cells. For this reason, the habit of consuming this group of vegetables, especially fresh or steamed, can help maintain healthy skin.
5- Red bell pepper
Vitamin C is the most important factor in the production of collagen in skin tissue and prevents the appearance of wrinkles. For this reason, it is recommended to consume food sources of this vitamin, such as citrus fruits, especially oranges and red bell peppers, and all sweet colored peppers.
6- Turmeric
Indians are less likely than people in other parts of the world to develop colon cancer and Alzheimer’s disease, and one of the reasons is that they eat spicy foods, especially those rich in turmeric. Turmeric is one of the spices that has antioxidant properties and neutralizes free radicals, thus preventing cancer. For this reason, to get rid of possible UV damage, it is recommended to add turmeric to your food at least once a week.
7- Salmon
Many people are concerned about the presence of mercury in oily fish, but one of the healthiest fish is salmon, which is rich in omega-3 and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and its consumption is recommended not only for the brain, but also for the skin. Of course, it is better to steam this fish at least once a week.
8- Pomegranate
The antioxidants in this fruit reduce the risk of cancer in susceptible people. Some studies have shown that the habit of eating pomegranate prevents skin cell cancer, so, in this season when pomegranate is available, put this fruit in your fruit basket and its benefits to maintain healthy skin and prevent Enjoy UV damage to this organ.
9- Spinach
Consumption of this vegetable is recommended to protect the skin due to its vitamins C and A-2, powerful antioxidants that prevent cancer. It is interesting to know that studies have shown that consuming 3 units of this vegetable (a glass of raw and half a glass of cooked) reduces the cancer of skin cells by 55%.
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