10: Dark chocolate
Contains anti-oxidant Flavonoids- which protect against free radicals from UV rays that cause skin cancer, and are also beneficial in preventing heart attacks.
60% cocoa or higher.
Higher % of cocoa = more flavonoids
9: Carrots and Sweet Potatoes
Beta-carotene reduces risk of sunburn. Also contain Flavonoids and Vitamin A which helps to protect eyes.(apparently broccoli and dried apricots are high in beta-carotene)
8: Tomatoes, Watermelon and Papaya (as well as pink grapefruit, Guava, persimmons, liver pate, chili powder, red cabbage, dried parsley and basil)
These 3 contain Lycopene which protects
against many forms of cancer, may also reduce the risk of heart
disease, has been used to fight HPV and cataracts, as well as asthma.
7: Green Tea
Contains compound Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) which protects against UV radiation which causes skin cancer. EGCG also resists growth of other types of cancer cells. Other benefits of this great compound include weight loss, heart health and a possibility of preventing Alzheimer's. Green Tea can also keep the body from producing histamine which stops or minimizes allergic reactions.
6: Wild Salmon
Contains Omega-3
fish oils (Omega 3 oils also found in sardines, mackerel, flaxseeds and
walnuts) which have extensive benefits for skin, including of course preventing
the skin from feeling the negative effects of the sun, and lessens the
suppression of the immune system caused by exposure to the sun. Wild Salmon also contains Astaxanthin- an antioxidant which is approx. 1000x more effective than Vitamin E
5: Almonds
Contain large amounts of Vitamin E which is a proven fighter of the harmful effects of UV rays (and is also great for heart health, and protects against eye disorders).
Other foods high in Vit E are papaya, sunflower seeds, peanuts, Swiss
chard, mustard greens, turnip greens, collard greens, bell&cayenne
peppers, as well as asparagus
4: Strawberries, Oranges and Kiwis
These foods help the body produce Collagen (necessary for skin healing and elasticity and bone repair). These foods also contain Vitamin C which aids in
protection from the common cold, heart disease, asthma, osteoarthritis,
high blood pressure, macular degeneration related to age, and many
forms of cancer. Other foods high in vit c are cantaloupe, citrus
fruits, mango, papaya, pineapple, berries, watermelon, broccoli,
peppers, cabbage, spinach, tomatoes and potatoes.
3: Dark Green Leafy Veggies
Contain Vitamin E, Carotenoids (can suppress sunburn, even more so when combined with vitamin E) such as Zeaxanthin, Flavonoids, and Lutein
(found in high content in foods such as kale, spinach, collard greens,
squashes, pumpkins, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and sweet corn). Leafy
greens also have Chlorophyll, which binds to carcinogens prior to entering the GI tract. Foods high in chlorophyll are spinach, parsley, watercress, arugula and green beans.
2: Turmeric/Curcumin
Besides being beneficial by killing skin cancer cells, as well as other types of cancer, it can prevent them from growing in the first place- Turmeric works so fast that it can possibly kill cancer cells while still in your saliva. In the past it was used to supposedly treat everything from parasitic worms to leprosy.
1: Coffee
"A recent study showed that coffee [regular caffeinated only] acts as a safeguard against developing basal cell carcinoma". The risk of skin cancer was reduced to approx 21% for women, and a reduction of about 10% for males
From http://www.toptenz.net/10-foods-that-protect-against-sun-damage.php
Posted by Mary Ellen Myers on Sunday, August 11, 2013
