Summer is quietly approaching, and people worried about tanning and sun spots are starting to open up their umbrellas, wear sunglasses, and carefully apply sunscreen before heading out, preparing to battle the powerful enemy—ultraviolet rays. In addition to thorough sun protection, internal conditioning is equally important. For this reason, we recommend 6 types of "sun protection" foods that you might consider eating more of this summer.
First, eat high-vitamin C fruits daily
Vitamin C is the "eternal holy grail for beautiful skin." To have healthy, bright skin that is less prone to sunburn, almost every dermatologist will recommend eating 2-3 servings of high-vitamin C fruits daily. Guava, kiwi, strawberries, cherry tomatoes, or citrus fruits are all good choices. Second, consume a moderate amount of yellow and red fruits and vegetables
Red, orange-yellow fruits and vegetables, as well as dark green leafy vegetables like carrots, mangoes, tomatoes, papaya, and water spinach, are rich in carotene and other phytochemicals, which help with antioxidant activity and enhance skin resistance.
However, "you shouldn't eat too much of these foods, as they can easily make your complexion look 'yellowish'," warns Dr. Hu Shuling, Director of the Dermatology Department at Cathay General Hospital. Third, eat soy products regularly
Isoflavones in soybeans are a type of plant-based estrogen that also have antioxidant properties, making them an indispensable food category for women to maintain a radiant and delicate complexion. Among soy products, tofu and soy milk (it's recommended not to add sugar) are better choices. Other processed soy products, such as dried tofu and soy skin, have much higher calorie counts than regular tofu. 100 grams of traditional tofu contains about 50-88 calories, but Japanese fried tofu skin contains 385 calories, so it's best not to eat too much of it. Fourth, grab a handful of nuts as a snack
For the skin, the oils you consume can be either "angels" or "demons," depending on what kind of oil you're eating. The plant oils in nuts are mostly rich in Vitamin E, which helps with antioxidant activity and eliminating free radicals. Additionally, if you usually eat white rice and white bread, it's recommended to switch to whole grains. Because "the coarser you eat, the finer your skin becomes." Fifth, have a cup of hot cocoa
Numerous scientific studies have cleared chocolate of its bad reputation, confirming it as a healthy food. It contains a variety of rich antioxidants, such as cocoa polyphenols and flavonoids, and moderate consumption is beneficial for the skin. You can now buy 100% pure unsweetened cocoa powder without added sugar or non-dairy creamer on the market. Just mix it with hot milk, add a little brown sugar, and you can enjoy a delicious and fragrant cup of hot cocoa. Sixth, drink two cups of tea daily
American studies have shown that drinking green tea or using skincare products containing green tea ingredients can reduce peroxides in the skin—caused by sun exposure and leading to sunburn, sagging, and roughness—by about one-third. For general health and wellness, drinking 2-4 cups of tea per day is more suitable, and you can also rotate between different types of tea.