Top Sun-Fighting Superfoods to Adopt into Your Diet

If there is one vital skincare regimen most people fail to keep up on, it's sun care. Why? Because for optimal protection, you need to be sure you are reapplying every 2 hours. If you are constantly on-the-go, like me, this can be a difficult feat. Of course, if you know me, you know that I have many products to suggest for easy reapplication and use, but today I want to focus on a less-common topic: sun-fighting superfoods. The foods discussed in this article have been proven to help protect your skin from the sun, but should not be used as your sole protection against the sun. Always, always wear your sunscreen!

Sun-Fighting Superfoods

Apples - if you haven't heard the saying "an apple a day keeps the doctor away," it is time to get on the band wagon. However, it is important to note that many of the health benefits are located in the peel! The peels of the Red Delicious apples have been studied, and found so contain essential chemical compounds known as triterpenoids, which have demonstrated cancer blocking and killing abilities.

Green Tea - I am sure you have heard a number of good things about Green Tea and skin health, but you may be surprised that it can help to keep cancer cells away. This are attributed to EGCG, a free radical-fighting component of Green Tea that helps to decrease inflammation and prevent cancer from developing. For optimal benefits, be sure to dink decaf Green Tea. Caffeine has proven itself as dehydrating, and dehydrated skin is not happy skin.

Almonds & Sunflower Seeds - both of these vitamin E-rich foods are fabulous sun-fighters, and offer up healthy antioxidants to boot! Vitamin E is also known for its anti-aging abilities, and can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and scars.

Dark Chocolate - it has long been said that chocolate is bad for your skin, which is half-myth, half-true. Your typical sugary chocolate bars are not skin beneficial, but cacao, the main component of chocolate, does have wonderful skin-boosting effects. How, you ask? Raw cacao is rich with flavonoids, which are antioxidants that help to protect the body from sun damage. So, what type of chocolates should you be reaching for? Try anything made up of 65% of more raw cacao, AKA: the ultra-dark stuff. Other fabulous sources of flavanoids include red wine and green tea.

Red Snapper - I actually started chowing on red snapper long before I learned about its health benefits. This buttery-flavored fish is high in omega-3 fatty acids and selenium, both of which are known to help reduce the risk of sunburn while promoting skin health. Grill it, bake it, or fry it, this fish is definitely something to add to your diet! I love the flavor and the health benefits.