HEALTHY FOOD · MARCH 2018
After years of study and debate about substances known as antioxidants , research has shown that they can make the difference between someone developing skin cancer or someone never having to suffer from this entirely preventable disease . Dermatologists have finally caught on to this idea and are actively advising patients to feast on nutrient-dense foods . Some are even suggesting that their patients apply topical products containing antioxidants in addition to their sunscreens .
Combing the use of antioxidant-rich foods and supplements is best for disease prevention . Be mindful that high doses of vitamins could also be detrimental to your health . Stick to the recommended daily amounts of any supplement or nutrient .
You protect yourself against harmful UV rays . You know you should wear sunscreen and a hat when you go outside . You wear sunglasses , try not to get too much sun exposure , you ’ ve bought the right clothes . You think you ’ ve done all that you can do to prevent skin cancer .
Your doctor may have told you that an SPF 15 or higher sunscreen is all you need before you even think about stepping one foot out the door , but now some new research has come to light . There might be a little more you can do , and it ’ s delicious .
Eating right . Studies have shown that consuming the right foods may help ward off skin cancer . The results have been promising in these studies . Adding another layer of protection to your skin cancer prevention measures won ’ t hurt . We promise .
The most common types of skin cancers are nonmelanoma skin cancers ( NMSC ). They include basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma ( BCC and SCC ). They ’ re the most common cancers in the United States of America . Over five million cases of NMSC are treated in at least three million people every year . Current research suggests that small dietary changes may be one way to bring those staggering numbers down dramatically .
Most skin cancers are caused by sun damage blisters . Most occur because of overexposure to the sun directly or from tanning beds . ( Side note : Tanning beds are not your friend . Avoid them at all costs .) UV exposure does considerable , life-altering , if not life-threatening , damage to your skin . It generates free radicals , nasty oxygen molecules that cause inflammation and damage normal , healthy , functioning cells and damage your skin ’ s DNA . That damage causes changes in your genes that in turn cause mutations that lead to a diagnosis of skin cancer .
EXPERTS RECOMMEND THE FOLLOWING FOR BEST RESULTS :
99
Vitamin C
99
Vitamin A
99
Vitamin E
99
Zinc
99
Selenium
99
Beta Carotene
99
Omega-3 fatty acids
99
Lycopene
99
Polyphenols
You can find most of these at any health food store . You can also find healthy doses of them in the foods that you eat , provided they ’ re not processed or sugar-laden . You want them in their most healthy state for optimum results . Most of those listed have also been shown to promote good heart health and to help protect against diabetes . Again , if consumed in moderation , according to the recommended daily value these foods can help you live a long , healthy life .
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