It's getting warmer out and you know what that means. It's time to start slathering on some of that sunblock to keep your skin protected and of course avoid any pesky manchas from popping up. But aside from that, you might be interested in knowing that certain super foods out there also help protect skin against the sun's harmful UV rays. That's right—they actually work to naturally boost your epidermal armor so you can soak in the sun (with SPF on of course) without having to worry about sun damage. Who knew right? Read on to find out which foods you should be stocking in your kitchen this spring and summer!
Readmore ¿Qué más? 9 Latin superfoods that will make you gorgeous
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Carrots
Apparently carrots not only prevent sun damage, but can also reverse it. A Korean study analyzed 30 healthy women who were receiving a daily dose of 30 milligrams of beta carotene (a super ingredient found in carrots) for about 3 months. They found that the antioxidants protected as well as repaired skin cells. Try incorporating more into your meals or snack on baby carrots with hummus or your favorite dip throughout the day.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are filled with lycopene, a potent antioxidant that’s filled with sun-protecting benefits. Eating a significant amount on a regular basis can even lead to less burning or redness caused by the sun.
Sweet potatoes
Believe it or not sweet potatoes (batata) like carrots are filled with beta carotene. If you don’t already eat these try oven roasting them with salt, pepper, oregano and fresh cilantro. It's so delicious!
Oranges
The vitamin C found in this citrus fruit helps to protect skin against UV light exposure and it also reduces any kind of inflammation caused by sunburns. It will also leave your skin smoother, brighter, and firmer with time.
Mushrooms
I never would have never guessed in a million years that mushrooms was good for your skin. But apparently it's loaded with vitamin D, selenium, and natural antioxidants which are proven to protect your skin from any sun exposure as well as preventing wrinkles. Champiñones rellenos anyone?
Dark chocolate
As if I needed another reason to love chocolate, now I learn that it’s rich in flavonoids that helps prevent harmful UV-triggered activity that can lead to skin cancer. Good to know right?
