13 Best Foods That Prevent Sunburn and Aging ...

Heather

13 Best Foods That Prevent Sunburn and Aging ...
13 Best Foods That Prevent Sunburn and Aging ...

Did you know you can actually eat your way to great skin with certain foods that prevent sunburn and aging? Noshing on certain healthy foods during spring and summer is a great way to reduce sun-related wrinkles and prevent overall aging. Sure, you should still wear your sunblock, but it’s important to eat well during the warmer seasons too. Certain foods contain specific antioxidants that act like a shield to your skin while you're outdoors, while other foods simply don't. These antioxidants help reduce free radicals from the environment and, as a result, reduce wrinkles and protect your face from harmful UV and UVB rays. Eat more of these foods that prevent sunburn and aging so you can enjoy your time outside with full confidence that your face will look fabulous around the clock too!

Snapshot Survey

What's your favorite weekend activity?

1. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are rich in both the antioxidant lycopene and in Vitamin C, which make them a top go-to of all foods that prevent sunburn. Tomatoes are also rich in water, which keeps your skin hydrated, and they're low in sugar, which actually depletes collagen in the skin.

2. Strawberries

Strawberries are the highest source of Vitamin C out of all North American berries. One cup contains more than your entire day’s requirements. Vitamin C acts as a natural sunblock and it reduces wrinkles.

3. Leafy Greens

Leafy greens contain Vitamin A that protects your skin from harmful free radicals. It can also help clear your skin from acne and reduce dryness. Vitamin A helps keep the skin supple so your skin stays soft and plump, instead of wrinkled and dry.

4. Red Peppers

One red bell pepper contains over 333% of your daily Vitamin C requirements! Red peppers are also delicious, making them the perfect picnic or beach time snack. Though they retain more nutrients raw, feel free to enjoy them grilled or roasted too, for a delicious summer meal.

5. Blackberries

Blackberries contain more of the antioxidants known as anthocynanins than blueberries do. They are also much higher in the antioxidants known as flavonols than blueberries are. Both these antioxidants help ward off harmful rays from the sun and reduce arterial damage. This leads to not only smoother skin, but better skin quality overall.

6. Green Tea

Green tea is practically a superfood for everything these days, but especially for your skin. The antioxidant in green tea known as EGCG has been linked to everything from preventing skin cancer to warding off wrinkles, not to mention whittling your waistline. Drink a couple cups of iced green tea a day or have a hot brew in the morning with your breakfast.

7. Salmon

Salmon is packed with omega 3 fatty acids, which not only help reduce skin damage, but also prevent it from occurring in the first place. Salmon also aids in reducing inflammation, which is basically all sun damage is at the heart of it. Eat a couple servings a week or take a fish oil supplement. If you’re vegan, flax and chia make a great replacement.

8. Rooibos Tea

Rooibos tea, also known as red tea, is a phenomenal tea to drink for many reasons. It is caffeine-free and sugar-free, yet it has a deliciously sweet, robust flavor that helps ward off sugar cravings and satisfy your sweet tooth. It also contains antioxidants that ward off sun damage and reduce arterial damage.

9. Broccoli

Broccoli is one of the best vegetables for Vitamin A and C content. Broccoli is also a top anti-cancer food, making it a go-to for anyone looking to have beautiful skin and a healthy body. Enjoy it raw or cooked and eat it as often as you can.

10. Avocados

Avocados contain heart-healthy fats that are amazing for your skin and body. Avocados help soften your skin and hair, which can both take a hit from the summer’s harsh rays. Enjoy a quarter of an avocado a day or even a half to a whole avocado if you're not concerned with calories.

11. Dark Chocolate

Your favorite food on Earth (or at least mine) is absolutely amazing for your skin! Dark chocolate contains more antioxidants than any food in the world, making it amazing for protecting your skin from the sun. Dark chocolate is specifically high in zinc as well, which can even help ward off hormone and age-related acne.

12. Walnuts

Walnuts are the only nuts to contain omega 3 fatty acids, those special fats we all know and love. Eating just six a day is a great way to enjoy the brain and skin benefits of this delicious nut.

13. Cucumbers

Cucumbers are extremely high in water, with a 94% content. This makes them the perfect hydration fruit for your skin! Plus, cucumbers contain the mineral silica, which helps fight off skin damage, reduce wrinkles, and aid in collagen formation to keep your skin in great shape.

Next time you go shopping, pick up as many of these foods that prevent sunburn as you can and you’ll be well on your way to looking great all summer long! Do you eat any of these foods that prevent sun damage? What’s your favorite way to enjoy them?

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

I am fair skinned & have had my fair share of sunburns. knowing now these foods along with sunscreen is perfect!

yay I like all of these foods!

Cindy, is there a specific brand of rooibos tea that you drink?

I eat all of these foods nearly everyday, but instead of walnuts I eat pecan nuts. I am 50 years old but look 39, fresh food and rooibos does make a difference, i eat salmon only once a week