(12-04-11) Three Healing Foods That Fight Skin Damage

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.

Source: Doctors Health Press e-Bulletin

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In evidenza

"L'informazione presente nel sito serve a migliorare, e non a sostituire, il rapporto medico-paziente."

Per coloro che hanno problemi di salute si consiglia di consultare sempre il proprio medico curante.