What to Do About Sunburn: 10 Foods for Quick Recovery

What to do with a summer sunburn? In summer, the scorching sun and strong UV rays make it easy to get sunburned with just a little carelessness. Diet affects how quickly a sunburn heals. So, what should you eat after a summer sunburn? Below, the editor recommends 10 foods that can help treat summer sunburns. Come and take a look.

1. Strawberry

Strawberries are rich in nutritional value and are known as the "queen of fruits." They are rich in nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin PP, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, carotene, tannic acid, aspartic acid, copper, strawberry amine, pectin, cellulose, folic acid, iron, calcium, ellagic acid, and anthocyanins.

In particular, their vitamin C content is 7-10 times higher than that of apples and grapes. The content of malic acid, citric acid, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, as well as carotene, calcium, phosphorus, and iron is also 3 to 4 times higher than that of apples, pears, and grapes. Eating more can help alleviate sunburn. This is because vitamin C not only eliminates free radicals produced in the body by UV exposure but also plays a significant role in collagen synthesis and maintaining skin elasticity. Other foods rich in vitamin C include red bell peppers, papaya, broccoli, and oranges.

Strawberry Box Cake

2. Flaxseed

Flaxseeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which play an important role in preventing age spots and wrinkles. Research has found that consuming flaxseeds daily helps relieve skin redness and makes the skin smoother. Flaxseeds can be added to various foods, such as oatmeal. Furthermore, flaxseeds can also improve arthritis. Experiments have shown that flaxseeds have a significant effect on treating and preventing arthritis. 60% of rheumatoid arthritis patients can completely stop taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs after treatment with omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, while another 20% can halve their dosage. However, it should be noted that flax contains toxic substances such as cyanogenic glycosides, which antagonize vitamin B6, and other anti-nutritional factors, such as cyanogenic glycosides, trypsin inhibitors, phytic acid, allergens, and goitrogens.

Longan Flaxseed Soft European Bread

3. Banana

Bananas are a high-calorie fruit. Analysis shows that every 100 grams of pulp provides 91 kilocalories. In some tropical regions, bananas are also a staple food. The nutritional value of banana pulp is quite high, with 100 grams containing 20 grams of carbohydrates, 1.2 grams of protein, and 0.6 grams of fat. Bananas are rich in B vitamins, especially vitamin B2 and vitamin B6, known as "beauty vitamins." Not only that, but bananas can also remove active oxygen produced by UV exposure, providing antioxidant effects. In particular, the fibers attached to ripe banana fruits are rich in polyphenols and can be eaten with the banana. It is recommended to eat 2-3 bananas daily after getting tanned.

Banana Cotton Cake

4. Pomegranate

Pomegranate fruit is like a cluster of red gems, with sweet and sour, juicy grains that are highly nutritious. They are rich in fruit sugars, high-quality proteins, and easily absorbable fats, which can replenish the body's energy and heat without adding a burden. The fruit contains vitamins C and B group, organic acids, sugars, proteins, fats, and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and potassium, which can supplement the trace elements and nutrients the body lacks. It is also rich in various acids, including organic acids and folic acid, which have health benefits.

Overexposure to harmful UV rays and pollution can cause our body's cells to oxidize, increasing the chances of wrinkles, age spots, sunspots, and even cancer. The antioxidants (polyphenols) in pomegranates can help our body's cells avoid this oxidative stress. Pomegranate-derived products also play a crucial role in repairing DNA damage.

Pomegranate Juice

5. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is very nutritious. Among the 9 commonly consumed grains in China—wheat, rice, corn, etc.—oats have the highest economic value, mainly reflected in their high nutritional, medical, and health-care, and feed values. The beta-glucan in oats can slow the increase of glucose levels in the blood, preventing and controlling obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. The dietary fiber in oats is effective for cleaning intestinal waste.

In particular, oatmeal can relieve skin itching after sun exposure. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, skin itching is often caused by a high pH value, and oatmeal can balance the skin's pH level, alleviating itching symptoms. Oat water can also soften and moisturize the skin, protecting it from external irritants.

Oat Soy Milk Bread