Add these foods to enjoy more of the benefits of Sunshine!
Sunshine is extremely important for an overall healthy body! Sunlight is thought to increase the brain’s release of serotonin, which is associated with boosting moods, creating a sense of calm & engaging a better ability to focus. Without enough sunlight, a person’s serotonin levels can dip low, and low serotonin can lead to feelings of stress and anxiety. Exposure to sunlight also helps our bodies synthesize vitamin D. Vitamin D supports muscular, skeletal, and nervous systems, helping them work efficiently.
What we eat plays a huge role in how our bodies synthesize vitamin D from the sun and also a large role in how our bodies fight off free radicals from the sun’s UV rays.
The foods listed below are filled with nourishing nutrients that can give your skin its first line of defense against free radicals and also provide ease in the absorption of Vitamin D!
Note* If you are going to be out in the sun for long periods of time, I would recommend using a natural homemade sunscreen like the one the Wellness Mama recommends!
Click here: Homemade Sunscreen
Add these foods to enjoy more of the benefits of Sunshine!
Strawberries: Vitamin C
Vitamin C is necessary for collagen production and maintenance; it is also a powerful antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals in the skin.
Wash & slice up strawberries on oats, nut-butter toast or bring them to the beach as a snack!
Avocado: Bursting with Vitamin E
Vitamin E helps prevent wrinkles from UVA rays & also is a major player in anti-aging
Yum! Avocados can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Make your favorite Guacamole (avoid eating them with chips that have omega 6 oils, instead dip fresh veggies like bell peppers or carrots) or add sliced avocado over salads or into sandwiches!
Sweet Potatoes: Filled with potassium & a specific kind of vitamin A called beta-carotene that will act as antioxidants shielding against the sun.
Potassium keeps the cells hydrated and the skin internally moisturized. It regulates the fluid balance and the electrical activity of the heart and other muscles. Potassium is also an electrolyte that will help maintain healthy blood pressure.
Beta-carotene, found from vitamin A, ensures healthy skin and mucus membranes. It also boosts immune and vision health. Beta-carotene is a strong antioxidant that will help protect cells from the damaging effects of free radicals.
Steaming sweet potatoes:
-Wash potatoes
-Cut potatoes into 1-inch cubes
-Place potatoes in a steamer above boiling water
-Steam for about 15 minutes/until tender
Carrots: Like sweet potatoes are loaded with beta-carotene!
Beta-carotene ensures healthy skin and mucus membranes. It also boosts immune and vision health. Beta-carotene is a strong antioxidant that will help protect cells from the damaging effects of free radicals.
Steaming carrots:
-Wash carrots
-Peel off any dark/odd-looking areas but leave the skin on if it looks clean (Organic Carrots will be the best)
-Slice in half longways and across the middle
-Place in a steamer above boiling water
-Steam for about 5-8 minutes or until tender
Deep, Dark Veggies: Rich in antioxidants!
Generally, the deeper the color, the more antioxidants! Antioxidants will assist in fighting free-radical damage in the body.
Reds – Tomatoes/Radishes
Greens- Romaine Lettuce, Kale, Parsley
Purples- Cabbage
Yellow- Peppers, Squash (darker shades)
Wash & chop up these veggies to add to salads, sandwiches, or for a snack!
Stay Hydrated!
A huge key to skin/overall health is hydration! Make sure you are staying well hydrated throughout the day.
A simple, delicious recipe to make is to take a lemon & half a cucumber, slice them up into “chips,” and through them in a pitcher of pure water! This will last all day (unless sharing with friends). Always have it ready to go in the heat of summer or on vacation.
I hope you all enjoy your time in the sun!
<3 Katherine
Melbourne Beach, FL 4/12/17