How to Prevent Sunburn By Eating the Right Foods

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By Tiferet
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Prevent Sunburn By Eating the Right Foods

Certain foods have been shown through research to prevent the damaging effects of the sun to the skin. These foods are preventative because they contain certain substances that are protective. These substances are call carotenoids. They are the dark yellow and red micronutrients that give many fruits and vegetables their color. They protect against inflammation, skin aging, photosensitivity and some skin cancers.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Tomotoes
Watermelon
Pomegranites or pomegranite juice

Step 1

Tomatoes
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a common carotenoid. Adding more salads to your diet this summer with plenty of tomatoes will not only be delicious but add their protective affect when you are out in the sun. Some evidence shows that tomatoes may be even more effective when cooked. So don't forget to include salsas that are cooked, spaghetti sauces, and other recipes with cooked tomatoes into your diet.
Step 2

Watermelon
A great summertime treat, watermelon is also high in caretenoids. The red part of the watermelon can have about 40 percent more lycopene than an equivalent weight of uncooked tomatoes which is the substance that does the work. It has also been shown that raw watermelon's lycopene may be better absorbed by the body, whereas the tomato's lycopene is better absorbed when cooked.
Step 3

Pomegranate
Although most of us don't go to the trouble of buying pomegranates, we can certain get the benefits of this great fruit by drinking pomegranate juice.
Step 4

How Does It Work?
The carotenoids found in tomatoes, pomegranates, and watermelon are widely distributed in the skin after they're digested. Once in the skin they absorb the light, act as antioxidants and have an anti-inflammatory response to sunburn.