As the hot summer months continue, so do the threats of sun damage and painful sunburns. But did you know that certain nutrients (and foods) can actually help protect your skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays? While there’s no excuse to skip the sunscreen on sunny summer days (and all year-round, really), adding sun-protective foods to your diet can help further defend against sun damage. Here are a few examples: 1.
Berries Whether it’s raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, goji berries, cranberries or otherwise, all berries help you stay protected in the sun (in combination with sunscreen). This is thanks to their vitamin C, flavonoid (and thus polyphenol), and carotenoid content. They make for the perfect simple snack on their own, or are delicious added to smoothies, oatmeal, cereal, baked goods, jams, sauces, and so much more.
2. Green tea A 2015 study found the catechins in green tea to be associated with UV protection and reduced skin inflammation. However, if tea isn’t your jam, coffee has been found to have very similar benefits due to its equally impressive plant compound content.
3. Carrots It may not come as a shock to hear that carrots are a great source of skin-boosting carotenoids given the similarities between their names. But, these root veggies also contain notable amounts of polyphenols, vitamin C, and niacin, making them a skin superfood.
The subtly sweet flavor of carrots pair perfectly in both sweet and savory dishes, from baked goods and.