Eat Your Way to Better Sun Protection

When it comes to protecting your skin from the sun, topical sunscreen is a must. But did you know that you can also boost your sun protection by eating certain foods? These five food groups have been proven to help increase the skin’s ability to protect against UV damage.

1. Omega-3 Rich Fish
   Found in some fatty fish and shellfish, omega-3 fatty acids have strong anti-inflammatory properties, and can help protect cells from free radical damage. Research has shown that it may also help prevent certain types of skin cancer.


2. Red and Yellow Veggies
   Lycopene is the natural pigment responsible for making tomatoes and peppers red. It’s also been found to reduce UV-induced skin irritation.


3. Dark Chocolate
   (This list keeps getting better, right?) Studies have shown that the flavonoids in dark chocolate protect against UV damage—and can also help improve overall skin condition.


4. Cruciferous Vegetables
   Veggies like broccoli, cauliflower and kale have long been linked with cancer prevention. Broccoli sprouts contain sulforaphane, which has been shown to help stave off cancer.


5. Black and Green Tea
   The polyphenols found in black and green tea have been found to stop cancer from growing by limiting the blood supply to the affected area. Green tea in particular also fights non-melanoma skin cancer by increasing DNA repair.

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