Reduce Sun Damage With Healthy Eating

Tuesday 20th October 2009

A few adjustments to your diet may be all that's needed to achieve healthy, damage-free skin.

Beta Caroteneand Vitamin A, found in fresh produce such as carrots and sweet potatoes, have long been known to contain antioxidants that are essential for healthy skin.

However, it has now been discovered that these precious antioxidants will not only improve the health of your skin but can also slow down the ageing process and damage caused by over-exposure to UV Rays such as wrinkles, sun spots, dry, parched looking skin, and possibly even skin cancer.

So you ask, what is Beta Carotene and how does it work to improve my skin's condition?

There is much to be said for Beta Carotene as it is the most prolifically researched of all the carotenoids. However, simply putting it, carotenoids are responsible for the colouring of fruits and vegetables. Fruits or vegetables rich in Beta Carotene are usually of the yellow and orange variety.

Beta Carotene, is one of 50 carotenoids that is known to be a Vitamin A compound. This means that the carotene can be converted into Vitamin A, also known as retinol, whenever the body needs it. Hence, by consuming food sources of Beta Carotene, the body is receiving both the benefits of Beta carotene, and the benefits of Vitamin A.

The benefits of Vitamin A and Beta Carotene

Beta Carotene is a very powerful antioxidant, scanning the body for free radicals, and neutralizing them before they can damage cells. It also improves communication between cells, preventing cancerous cells from forming.

Vitamin A is known to moisturise the skin, fight harmful bacteria and calm inflammations.

Foods Rich in Vitamin A and Beta Carotene

liver

sweet potato

carrot

broccoli

kale

butter

spinach

leafy vegetables

pumpkin

collard greens

cantaloupe melon

egg

apricot

papaya

mango

pea

broccoli

This article was writen by Lorynne Heynes from www.caribbeantan.co.uk - Thank you again Lorynne for sharing your insight!

Credit also has to be given for the wonderful photograph, provided by www.flickr.com

Continue reading...

The Harsh Truth About Sunbeds

Tuesday 6th October 2009.

I know we don't normally post on a Tuesday, but as from today, we are opening Tuesdays up for guest bloggers who wish to participate in the blog.

Our first guest blogger is Lorynne Heynes from caribbeantan.co.uk

Take it away Lorynne!

The latest scientific findings revealed that using a sun bed is just as likely to cause cancer as smoking.

For some of us this is a harsh pill to swallow, and it's easier to turn an oblivious eye to the facts.

The reality is though, this is an easy habit to give up and we have a vast array of alternatives to give our skin a healthy glow. If you're finding you need further motivation to pull yourself away from the deadly UV rays of the sun bed then read on:

The facts - sun beds:

For those of us who started using sunbeds regularly before the age of 30 -the risk of Melanoma - the most deadly form of skin cancer - goes up 75%.

UV rays from sun beds can be up to 10-15 times higher than that of the midday sun.

Short periods of intense, irregular exposure to UV rays, as happens on a sun bed, is the fastest way to damage your skin: causing cancer premature ageing and eye problems.

Using sunscreen or limiting your time on a sun bed will not protect your skin from damage and ageing.

Failing to use eye protection on a sun bed can lead to eye irritation or conjunctivitis, and even eye cancer.

Facts on Melanoma

Melanoma is more common in women, particularly young women.

In the UK it is the most common cancer in people aged 15–34.

Half of melanomas start as a dark area on normal skin or as an abnormal new mole. The other half develop from a mole or freckle that you already have.

Melanoma can be hard to spot but can usually be cured if it’s found at an early stage.

For more information:

Protecting children from the sun: http://www.goodtoknow.co.uk/health/255960/Sun-care-tips-for-protecting-children
Infomation on Melanoma: http://www.goodtoknow.co.uk/health/127532/Melanoma
Checking your moles: http://www.goodtoknow.co.uk/health/255083/Skin-cancer-awareness--keep-your-moles-safe

Thanks to our guest blogger Lorynne Heynes, from www.caribbeantan.co.uk for this informative article.

See you tomorrow.

Continue reading...