Sun Protection Done Nature’s Way

It’s common knowledge that our bodies need and sometimes crave vitamin D. It’s easy to get a good dose of vitamin D from taking in some sunshine, but we also know that too much sun puts us at risk for sunburn and damage to our skin. Wearing sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) is a good idea, but there are also sunscreen benefits found naturally in some common foods.

The list of foods with natural sun protection was published online by the Farmers’ Almanac. It says the following foods all have naturally occurring nutrients that help resist sunburns.

Tomatoes contain lycopene and vitamin E, which aid in sun protection. The same ingredients that help protect the tomato’s delicate skin in the summer heat will also protect ours.

Red, green, orange and yellow produce also provide natural sunscreens. Many foods in this category are rich in beta-carotene, lutein and lycopene—think watermelon, carrots and sweet potatoes. Luckily, all of these are found easily in the summertime!

Natural oils provide the best sun protection of all, especially red raspberry seed oil and carrot seed oil. Simply mix a few drops of these oils with a carrier oil like almond or coconut oil before applying to skin.

When you head out into the summer sun, don’t forget to protect your skin!

Source: farmersalmanac.com; pexels.com