Foods that Protect Against Sunburn

                         

     Did you know that many summer fruits and vegetables contain powerful antioxidants that can help protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun? In fact, many  people report that they stopped getting sunburns when when they consciously fortified  their diets with these foods.

           Although the manufacturers of sunscreen would have us believe that  lathering our skin with their products is the best protection from the harmful rays of the sun, in reality most commercial sunscreens contain toxic chemicals that absorb into our bodies and may be more harmful  than sun exposure!   Skin cancer is a serious concern, and you may feel that sunscreen is your best protection, but perhaps your want to consider making your own or purchasing a nontoxic one from the health food store.  Here is a link to a post this week at My Lamp is Full about making your own sunscreen  . Also, please understand that improving your diet may help significantly  as well. Every notice how everyone loves watermelon in the summer? There is good reason, it is full of lycopene which  helps protect your skin from harmful sun rays.
            If you feel that you need sunscreen, why not do both:  Increase the consumption of the fruits and vegetables that are high in lycopene and other nutrients that help protect against the sun's rays,  and use your sunscreen, but check for one that is non toxic.  I am still learning about it, so personally I still use some sunscreen although I purchase a non toxic kind from Whole Foods. Actually, I haven't burned at all in the past year despite being in the sun and many times without suncreen.

A blog called Wellness Mama   posted a very informative article about the role of diet, supplements, and proper oils in  protecting our skin from the harmful rays of the sun through diet  Eat Your Suncreen . I think it's worth reading. She goes into detail about a wide variety of ways and which food to eat to protect your skin naturally. 

The following quote is an excerpt from an article about natural sunscreen in our foods from a blog called   Juice

"As it turns out, watermelon, as well as ruby red grapefruit and tomatoes, are all rich in lycopene. This powerful antioxidant found in reddish-colored fruits tends to act as a natural sunscreen. It actually protects skin cells from the sun’s burning rays, which can lead to premature aging and even skin cancer, and replenishes them. In addition, lycopene helps your skin act as a natural filter, allowing enough sunlight through for your body to produce vitamin D"  

Did you ever notice that watermelon grows and is plentiful in areas that are very hot and sunny? My husband's family is from the Middle East. Despite being exposed to the strong sun most of the year, they  never had any skin problems. However, they ate a very healthy diet that was rich in antioxidants and Omega 3's and ate lots of fruit.

Here is another article that is very specific about which foods to eat called 10 Foods that Prevent Sunburn

Summer is the best time to eat fruit because it just tastes so darned good! Watermelons, cantaloupes, papayas, and local berries ( we live near blueberry country) are refreshing, low calorie, and flavorful!

There are many such articles all over the Internet that discuss this subject.

In the meantime, especially during the summer when the sun's rays are really strong,  melon and berries will continue to be a key part of our diet as well as healthy fats like coconut oil and avocado, and leafy greens like kale, broccoli raab, dandelion.  In addition, I supplement with Vitamin D and extra vitamin C which are both anti- inflammatory nutrients.

Did you know that coconut oil contains a natural SPF of 4 .?. so for a very light protection, you could use some coconut oil on your skin. In addition, when out in the sun you can cover up with protective clothing.

Do you have difficulty eating enough fruit? 

Everyone seems to love fruit, but not everyone wants to cut up the melons for eating. If I don't cut them up to make it convenient for my family , no one eats them.

    

To solve that problem, I bought some glass containers that come with their own lids. Twice a week, usually on Friday ( for the weekend) and Tuesday, I fill up my sturdy containers with cubes of fresh melon and berries. I like doing it twice a week, because cutting up the large juicy melons can get sloppy. I spend a half  hour chopping and then cleaning up, but at least I only have the cleanup twice a week.

Chunked papaya

organic berries washed and cleaned

Our cut up fruit for the weekend

 I love the containers that I bought. Two of them are flat and stack in the refrigerator. The bowls hold a lot are a mixing bowls too. I love that they have their own lids. It makes storage so much easier..and you can see inside so you can find what you are looking for.

Ready for the fridge!; the berries are organic

   So, eating fruit during the summer is not only delicious and healthy, it plays a roll in fortifying our diet to have the protective nutrients needed to protect us from some of the sun's rays and possibly prevent sunburn.
Of course, the fairer your skin the more you may need to stay out of the sun, use protective clothing, wear hats and stay in the shade. 

Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor and am not attempting give medical advice. This post is for educational information only. Always check with your doctor before making any changes in your diet or lifestyle.

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