While sunscreen and UPF clothing top the list for protection for sun sensitivity and prevention against sun damage, adding some powerful foods to your diet can help promote healthy skin from the inside out. The avocado fruit (yes, it is a fruit!), the spice turmeric and coconut oil.
Avocados contain poly- and monounsaturated fatty acids that protect your skin. Polyunsaturated fatty acids guard against sun damage and protect against symptoms of skin sensitivity and inflammation. Monounsaturated fats keep the top layer of your skin supple and moist, so it feels soft and looks great. Avocados are somewhat magical. They contain antioxidants that promote the water content and elasticity of skin, plus decrees destruction of beneficial skin lipids. So skin is naturally more plump and elastic, a very real benefit to help promote anti-aging. They also contain a dose of Vitamin E, a natural protectant from UV rays. Whip up a batch of guacamole by adding fresh lime, cilantro, minced garlic and a dash of Himalayan salt!
A powerful antioxidant, Turmeric has natural healing properties and efficiently treats a number of skin conditions. It’s been scientifically proven to effectively treat acne, eczema, rashes, inflammation, cancer and bruising. Throw fresh turmeric into recipes, add it in the food processor with ginger, garlic, mint and fresh coconut milk for a smoothie, purée or soup base.
Thanks to Paleo lovers, many supermarkets finally stock coconut oil, appearing as a solid oil in a jar. Coconut oil is not only mild yet flavorful, it’s highly effective as a topical treatment as well as using it for cooking and eating. This medium-chain fatty acid helps repair and heal damaged skin, is easily absorbed to strengthen connective tissue, stimulates thyroid function and helps cholesterol convert into anti-aging steroids that lower risks of cancer and heart disease. It also wonderfully boosts metabolism and immunity. Use it for cooking veggies, mix it into your morning coffee instead of diary or just eat a spoonful between meals as a way to tide you over rather than unhealthy snacks. Be sure you buy organic and unrefined (no bleaching or deodorizing).
Wearing the right UPF 50+ clothing outdoors and using sunscreens are essential foundational steps to skin health, but a few dietary additions can help nourish our skin and promote health and healing from the inside out!
Sources:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/407893-are-avocados-good-for-your-skin/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/27/coconut-oil-benefits_n_1625631.html
http://www.turmericforhealth.com/
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