What You Eat Can Protect Your Skin From The Sun

What You Eat Can Protect Your Skin From The Sun was written by Barbara Levine from ARAcontent.com

(ARA)- By now you probably think you've heard all of the health reasonsthere are for eating your vegetables. But recently, researchers fromHarvard University have announced that lutein -- a potent antioxidantfound in such dark green, leafy vegetables as spinach and kale -- mayprotect the skin from sun damage.

"Lutein has been widelyrecognized for its eye health benefits for several years. But, our datais the first of its kind to suggest that lutein may have the potentialto act as a preventative agent against UVB-induced skin cancer," saidSalvador Gonzalez, M.D., Ph.D., leader of the Harvard research team."In addition, these data suggest that lutein protects the skin againstdamage caused by exposure to UVB light, further validating our positionthat lutein is a critical component to overall skin health."

Lutein(LOO-teen) is a yellow pigment (the yellow is covered up by chlorophyllin green leaves) found predominantly in vegetables. It is also presentin the eyes and skin of the human body. In women, lutein is found inthe breasts and cervix. As an antioxidant, lutein protects the eyesfrom the damaging effects of aging. Lutein also acts as a light filter,protecting against the sun's harmful rays.

UVA and UVB rays aretwo types of harmful rays found in sunlight. UVA rays contribute towrinkling the skin, as well as to the development of skin cancer. UVBrays are the ones that are the primary cause of sunburn and skin cancer.

Goodsunscreens block both UVA and UVB rays and are critical to skin health.But, you can do even more to protect your skin and eyes when you'reoutside.

Safety tips to keep top of mind:

• WearUV-blocking sunglasses. Over time, exposure to ultraviolet light cancause cataracts and increase your risk of macular degeneration, adisease that causes irreversible blindness.
• If you're a parent,protect your children's skin. Research indicates that one or moresevere, blistering sunburns in childhood or adolescence can double therisk of skin cancer later in life.
• Check the expiration date on your sunscreen. Sunscreen without an expiration date has a shelf life of no more than three years.
• Eata healthy diet comprised of green leafy vegetables. Consumption of 6milligrams of lutein per day (approximately one-third cup of cookedspinach) has been linked to a reduced risk of cataracts and age-relatedmacular degeneration. Vitamins and dietary supplements formulated withpurified lutein provide another option for adding this nutrient to adaily diet.

It's important to note that when lutein isconsumed in foods or vitamins, it deposits in various tissues in thebody -- the eyes, the skin, fat tissue and so on. Therefore, it mayalso be beneficial to apply lutein directly to the surface of yourskin. Several skin care products containing lutein are now availableand can be purchased online at www.sephora.com or at salons that carry California Tan Heliotherapy sun care products.

Formore information about how lutein can help promote healthy eyes andskin, talk to your doctor and visit the Lutein Information Bureau at www.luteininfo.com.

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