Being Summer I thought I would write about skin protection and how antioxidants play an important role in preventing skin damage and sunburn. Living in Australia’s souring heat we face high Ultra violet Radiation (UVA/UVB rays).
UVA Rays is what causes the most damage to our skin. Although blessed to have amazing weather Australia tops the record for having the highest rate of skin cancers in the world. The Australian sun is harsh and we cop our largest dose of UV rays in the summer months.
UV Rays
“UV rays are at their worse between the hours of 9am to 4pm and time spent outside should be minimum in these hours if possible.”
UV Rays damage the skin, increases wrinkles, aging, cause genetic injury and lowers the immune system, putting the skin under stress and risk of developing skin cancers. Once the UV rays hit the skin, oxidation begins and free radicals are released that damage the body's cells.
If you have ever experienced peeling skin, you have experienced the body’s last defence action to sun damage in the body’s attempt to heal. The peeling process is when apoptosis takes place where the body kills off its own cells that have been damaged by the sun and free radical damage.
Increasing Antioxidants
Increasing antioxidants and reducing foods and lifestyle factors that cause free radicals will help protect the cells from damage. Include plenty of fresh fruit and salads to your summer diet for maximum antioxidant protection.
Top 11 Antioxidant Foods that will save your skin!
Berries
Oranges
Prunes
Red Grapes
Cherries
Purple Cabbage
Red Capsicum
Beetroot
Kale / Spinach
Brazil Nuts
Green Tea
Foods and Lifestyle Factors that increase Free Radical Damage!
Fried Foods, alcohol, non-organic produce, air pollutants, smoking, passive smoking, pesticides, cleaning and beauty products that contain chemicals. The cleaner the diet and lifestyle the more protection the body receives.
“Aim to eat fresh Fruit and Salads daily in the warmer months to boost the immune system and antioxidant levels in the body”.
Keep safe this Summer and keep out of the sun in the warmer hours of the day.
“The human body has been designed to resist an infinite number of changes and attacks brought about by its environment. The secret of good health lies in successful adjustment to changing stresses on the body.” – Harry J. Johnson
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. All readers/viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. The Green Naturopath takes no responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement or lifestyle program.