Foods For Natural Sunscreen Protection
We hear a lot about high-SPF sunblock, but did you know that you may be able to add protection to your skin from the inside, as a cancer defence?
Studies now show that certain nutrients block ultraviolet (UV) sunlight triggered changes which can lead to cancer. There are certain foods which are high sources of these beneficial nutrients:
- Leafy greens, with lutein and zeaxanthin, stop UV induced cell proliferation in Harvard animal studies.
- Oranges, lemons and limes have limonene, which is linked to a 34% reduction in skin cancer risk (Univeristy of California study).
- Tart cherries and peppermint leaves are high in perillyl alcohol, which has now been found to stop cancer in human cells when exposed to intense UV light.
- Red, yellow and orange fruits and vegetables, which contain carotenoids linked to reduced sunburn, also a skin cancer factor.
- Green tea contains antioxidants called EGCGs, which block DNA damage in human cells (University of Wisconsin-Madison study).
- Wild salmon, which in a British study showed good protection against UV induced damage and cancerous DNA changes.
Source: Prevention 2004
