We’re constantly hearing reminders about the importance of wearing sunscreen to protect our skin, but did you know eating a spinach salad and drinking an iced latte before being exposed to the sun could keep your skin safe?
New research shows that there are certain foods you can eat to help your skin from the inside, leading to lower rates of skin cancer.
Of course, that doesn’t mean you can skip your SPF. “Sunscreen and sun-protective clothing are the first line of defense against sunburns and sun damage,” says dermatologist Jessica Wu. “But, eating the right foods can provide an extra layer of protection.”
Here are some foods that can help protect your skin.
Coffee: A new study from the National Cancer Institute found that coffee drinkers who had four or more cups a day were 20-percent less likely to develop malignant melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, than those who drank none. The caffeine and certain polyphenols in coffee may help suppress the growth of cancer cells.
Fish: Sundrenched countries like Greece and Italy have lower rates of melanoma than other European countries, the U.S. and Australia and research suggests that it could be because of the Mediterranean diet. It’s full of fish that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, they’re good for your immune system and your heart, too.
Leafy greens: The same study found that the more dark, leafy veggies (like spinach and kale) that people ate, the lower their risk of skin cancer! Greens have carotenoids which act as antioxidants and fight off the damage to your skin.
Tomatoes: Pink and red foods like guava, apricots, watermelon and especially tomatoes have the antioxidant lycopene which has been linked to lower rates of several different cancers.
Citrus Zest: Use lemon, orange, lime or grapefruit zest in a salad dressing, cookie recipe or sauce to get a protective punch. According to one study people who used citrus peel in their diet had a lower risk for squamous cell skin cancer.
More information: http://r29.co/1fwz8DU
