The role of products in protecting our skin from the sun

The best way to protect yourself from sunburn is to stay out of the sun and use makeup. However, studies of dermatologists have shown that some products can also actively contribute to the protection of our skin. Along with the application of sunscreens and shelter from the sun from 11 am to 3 pm experts advise to protect themselves and with food. They determined that the level of protection of food ingredients is comparable to traditional methods, which means that various foods can be included in the list of those products that can be recommended for protection against sunburn. Together with dermatologists nutrition specialists provided a list of dishes that will make for the body a little more than just stuff the stomach.

The undisputed leader in this list is a tomato. Its red color is due to the presence of the antioxidant lycopene, which makes our skin more resistant to sunlight. According to studies, adults who consumed 5 tablespoons of tomato paste on day 5 had a 33 percent higher level of protection against sunburn (equivalent to 1.3 SPF) than those who did not. Another important advantage of the tomato diet is an increased level of procollagen, without which the skin grows old, loses its elasticity, and wrinkles appear. Interestingly, lycopene is contained in processed tomatoes more than in fresh ones and our organism better absorbs them.

Lycopene is also found in watermelon and pink grapefruit.

Another antioxidant, which protects the skin from sunburn, is beta-carotene. Its a lot in orange fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, mango, apricots and melons. Green leafy vegetables - spinach, watercress and broccoli - are also rich in beta-carotene. German scientists say that the preventive reception of beta-carotene for ten weeks will protect from sunlight.

A study of 4,000 women showed that those who ate foods with high levels of vitamin C had fewer wrinkles, this side effect not loved by women from being exposed to direct sunlight. So vitamins C and E, which purify skin cells from damaging free radicals formed when exposed to ultraviolet rays of sunlight, have a beneficial effect on the skin of antioxidants. Vitamin C is found in citrus, black currant, kiwi, berries and watercress. Vitamin E - in sprouted wheat, nuts, olive, sunflower and corn oils. Adding olive oil to salads, avocado slices, unsalted nuts and seeds are additional factors in protecting the skin, since in addition to vitamin E they contain monounsaturated fats. These fats penetrate the layers of the skin and prevent cell damage. They also contribute to a greater absorption of food from lycopene and beta-carotene.

Stand out are the Brazil nuts. In Russia they have appeared recently, but the old Europe knows them since the Spanish trips of the conquistadors. These nuts are useful in protecting from sun exposure, not only due to the presence in them of vitamin E and monounsaturated fats, but also the content of selenium. It so reliably protects skin cells from ultraviolet radiation, that researchers at the University of Edinburgh practically did not notice the traces of damage in cells with selenium after UV irradiation, as if they were not irradiated. Dermatologists advise for the sake of such a beneficial effect to eat about ten Brazil nuts a day. Among other recommended products - fish, shellfish, eggs.

In addition to the skin, the eyes must be protected from the harmful effects of sunlight. Here active assistants are lutein and zeaxanthin. These antioxidants are contained in the yellow spot of the eye and act like natural sunglasses, filtering out UV rays. Nutritionists offer green beans and peas on the table, in excess of them containing, and already known to us green vegetables, cabbage, spinach, broccoli.

In the fight to protect the skin, drinks, vegetable and fruit juices, green tea are actively involved. It is clear that the juices duplicate the functions of their "primary sources", but here in green tea contains antioxidants catechins. German researchers compared the results for two groups of women, one of whom daily for 12 weeks drank a cup of green tea, and the other did not receive it. In the first group of injuries from the sun it was 25 percent less compared to the members of the second group.

The lovers of sweet are rejoicing - it is definitely determined that some dark chocolate acts as a soft sunscreen. Researchers for 12 weeks daily gave different groups of 20 grams of plain chocolate and high in cocoa. Lucky for those who had dark chocolate - their skin was twice as resistant to UV radiation. The flavonols available in cocoa do wonders.