May 26, 2009 8:19 pm US/Eastern
HealthWatch: UV Fighting Foods
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
Protecting your skin from the sun is crucial, but SPF and long sleeves on the beach aren't the only ways to do it. A number of nutrients can change the way our bodies respond to the sun, so it makes sense to choose your diet carefully in the summer months.
"Foods to make sure that you're keeping your skin the healthiest that you can throughout the summer are foods that are going to be high in antioxidants because they protect against aging and they also are protective against UV rays," said Keri Glassman, registered dietitian.
Glassman said the nutrient lycopene found in watermelon and tomatoes has some sun-safe benefits.
"Lycopene is, acts as an antioxidant so it helps protect us from aging. But when we consume it in our diet, we're going to up our protection from those UV rays," she said.
While chocolate may not be bikini friendly, it may protect against the sun.
"One of the compounds found in dark chocolate is flavanoids. Flavanoids also have been shown to be photoprotective, meaning that we are decreasing our sensitivity to the sun," Glassman said.
A recent study showed eating a teaspoon of orange peel a week could reduce skin cancer by 30 percent, but the inside of the orange may not agree with the sun.
The acid in lemons, limes and grapefruit can also be irritating to the skin when you're out in the sun.
"When those foods are on your skin, right in the sun's rays, it may actually increase your chances of burning," Glassman said.
Green tea on the other hand, is an important source of sun protective catachines. "They also though act as an antiinflammatory, so reducing the redness of your skin," Glassman said.
And start your sun-safe diet well before hitting the beach.
"Over the course of about three months when you've eaten a wide variety of these foods, you are more protected from the sun," Glassman said.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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