The sky has opened up and the sun has really been shining down upon the Willamette Valley the last couple of months. Quick! Everyone expose as much skin as possible!!!  Eeeasy there buddy, put your shirt back on, lavishly apply a high quality sunscreen, stay in the shade, and wear a hat. Also... enjoy these delicious foods that give your skin a boost from within, decreasing your risk of burning.  

1. Citrus fruits.

Vitamin C.  Fight free radical damage with a long term diet high in Vitamins C & E.  Lemon zest is like nature's MSG, a powerful flavor enhancer, and oranges are always a juicy treat.

2. Green tea.

Green is the color of health! The polyphenols in green tea help neutralize harmful free radicals, which can cause significant damage to the skin and speed the aging process. Green tea is loaded with anti-oxidants. Matcha powdered green tea has 130 times more antioxidants than regularly brewed green tea. One cup of matcha = 10 cups of traditionally steeped green tea in terms of nutritional content.  Green tea also has tannic acid in it, which helps soothe sunburn pain, and antioxidants called EGCGs. A University of Wisconsin study showed EGCGs stopped genetic damage in human skin cells exposed to UV light. 

3. Almonds

Almonds are one the best vitamin E foods. One ounce of almonds offers a delightfully handsome  7.4 milligrams of vitamin E. You can also get your vitamin E in the form of almond milk and almond oils. 

4.  Red fruits & veggies

Eating red helps to keep your skin from turning red. (large servings of red wine does NOT count, rascals!)

• Beets

• Cherries

• Red bell peppers and hot peppers

• Tomatoes

• Watermelon

• Strawberries

• Pomegranates

Include more red in your diet and increase Anthocyanin: Contains antioxidants and powerful anti-inflammation properties for blood vessels, joints and whole body. Lycopene: Contains antioxidants and anti-cancer properties- mostly found in tomatoes, especially cooked. Not a fan of tomatoes?  Watermelon is high in lycopene and has 40% more lycopene than tomatoes!

 5. Turmeric

This lively yellow spice has been used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine  for centuries due to its  antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Lab studies report that turmeric can help protect skin cells from the damage caused by UB radiation.  Turmeric can be simmered with your favorite milk, ginger & cinnamon to make a delicious immune boosting golden milk. 

Enjoy your summer days, eat well friends! 

Karen

Photos courtesy of Pexels and Pixabary and are licensed for commercial re-use

http://matchasource.com/health-benefits-of-matcha-tea/