Three Foods that Help Prevent UV Radiation Skin Damage

April 8, 2011 - PRLog -- Is there a way to fight the damaging effects of the sun through diet? You bet there is! There are a number of healing foods that can give your skin important nutrients that could take the bite out of the sun’s rays. Although the sun can give you much-needed vitamin D, exposure can also cause your skin to age, along with more serious problems such as skin cancer.

You can start giving your skin a protective boost by adding kiwi fruit to your diet. Kiwi, the fruit that comes from Down Under, is one of the best sources of vitamin C, even when compared to other fruits and veggies. When you eat a cup of kiwi fruit, you get 275% of your recommended daily allowance of vitamin C. And that makes kiwi fruit one of the best wrinkle-fighting foods out there.

Vitamin C is your body’s primary water-soluble antioxidant when it comes to the health of your skin. Sun damage can cause free radicals to form. And free radicals, in turn, damage collagen, which helps to keep your skin looking healthy, beautiful, and young. Eating kiwi fruit can greatly increase collagen synthesis in your skin.

Avocado is another healing food that’s great for fighting the damaging effects of the sun. In one clinical trial, Israeli researchers tested the ability of an avocado extract to reduce UVB-induced damage and inflammation in skin. They discovered that avocado extract exerted a protective effect, increasing cell viability and enhancing DNA repair. When it comes to human skin, treatment with an avocado extract significantly reduced UV-induced cellular damage. These results support the idea that avocado can play an important role as a photo-protective agent in UV-induced skin damage.

Asparagus comes next in the fight against free-radical damage. You can boost your nutrition health and your skin health by eating asparagus. This tasty vegetable contains silica, a trace mineral that strengthens your body’s connective tissue. Skin that is lacking in silica is generally weak and has lost its elasticity. When you lack sufficient silica, you will also notice that wounds take longer to heal. If you’re spending a lot of time in the sun this summer, make sure you boost your silica intake so that your skin can heal itself properly.

Finally, if you do find yourself with sunburn, aloe vera gel works great as an alternative remedy for sunburnt skin. Or you can keep some lavender essential oil in your home first-aid kit to rub on skin that’s red from too much sun. Peppermint oil works as a sunburn remedy, too.

Don’t forget that the best ways to maintain beautiful, smooth and healthy skin and to protect yourself against skin cancer are to limit sun exposure and to take protective action. Stay out of the sun at peak times (between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.). Seek shade whenever possible if you’re outdoors. Cover yourself up — wear a brimmed hat, a long-sleeved shirt and long pants to avoid sunburn. Make sure you wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 on any exposed skin.

And remember, you can always get more natural health advice, the latest alternative health breakthroughs and news, plus information about nutrition, alternative remedies and cures and doctors health advice, all free when you sign up for the Doctors Health Press e-Bulletin. Visit http://www.doctorshealthpress.com now to find out how to start your free subscription.

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