To protect our skin from sun damage most of us rely on sunscreen and protective clothing. However, not many of us are aware of the role of our diet in averting the harmful effect of sun exposure. The ultraviolet rays of the sun stimulate production of free radicals that damage the healthy skin cells and make the skin dull and dark and accelerate the aging process of the skin. Furthermore, free radicals tend to damage the genetic material of the skin cells that increase the risk of skin cancer. Foods that are rich in antioxidants help in neutralizing the free radicals. Studies have revealed that sun exposure depletes the antioxidant reserve of the skin. Therefore, to fight sun damage, include the following foods to your diet.
Below Are The 5 Foods That Fight Sun Damage:
1. Tomato
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that helps in blocking damage to the skin following exposure to sunlight.[1] According to study, risk of sunburn can be reduced by almost 33 percent by taking 1 ¼ tablespoons of tomato paste daily. Adding tomatoes to the daily diet helps in fighting skin inflammation and delays wrinkling of the skin.
2. Broccoli
Broccoli contains a compound called glucoraphanin, which is known to help in repairing the damaged skin cells. Furthermore, it supports detoxification of the skin.[2] Adding broccoli to the diet, therefore, helps in decreasing damage to the skin due to exposure to sunlight.
3. Pomegranate
Pomegranate is rich in antioxidant compounds that help in decreasing the activities of free radicals on the skin cells. It helps in fighting sun damage and lowering the risk of skin cancer.[3] It is also known to help in inhibiting appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and age spots associated with sun damage.
4. Onion
Onion is rich in selenium, a natural antioxidant that helps in protecting the skin from sun damage.[4] Furthermore, the sulfur compounds present in onion helps in maintaining healthy skin. Including onion in your daily diet, by minimizing oxidative stress, helps in countering the harmful effect of sun exposure on your skin.
5. Red Guava
Another excellent source of lycopene for fighting sun damage is red guava.[5] In addition, red guava is a good source of antioxidants such as vitamin C, ellagic acid and anthocyanins that help in countering free radical induced damage to the skin cells following prolonged exposure to the ultraviolet radiations of the sun.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.