10 Foods That Give Natural Sun Protection

Do you feel the need to carry an umbrella each time you step out in the sun? Do you apply generous amounts of SPF or sun-protection creams?

Well, most of us are in the same boat, as we are aware of the harsh effects of the sun rays and the damage that it can do to our health.

Also Read: How To Protect Your Child From The Sun

Researches have claimed that the UV radiation of the sun can lead to conditions like sunburns, tanning, premature ageing of the skin, eye disorders, a weakened immune system, skin cancer, etc.

Some of the above-mentioned health conditions can be quite severe and even fatal, so it is only natural that we feel the need to protect ourselves from the sun rays.

In addition, solar radiations can also cause pigmentation and uneven skin patches that deteriorate our looks.

So, it is crucial to protect ourselves from those harmful rays of the sun. Apart from using SPF externally, you can also try consuming certain healthy foods that can keep you safe from the sun rays internally.

Also Read: Protection From Sun: Health Tips

The nutrients found in these foods are known to boost your immunity and help your body to fight against the damage-causing effects of the sun.

These foods can also improve the natural sun-protection property in your body. So, let us have a look at some of these exceptional sun-protection foods here.

1. Carrot

Carrot is packed with beta-carotene, which helps the body to protect itself from the harmful effects of the sun. Carrots can also heal sunburns quickly, as they are rich in vitamin E.

2. Citrus Fruits

Orange, lemon, mosambi, etc, are rich in vitamin C content. Vitamin C is known to prevent skin cancer to a great extent. Citrus fruits can also protect your skin from sunburns and pigmentation.

3. Pomegranate

Pomegranate is rich in antioxidants and ellagic acid, which are known to provide exceptional protection from UVA and UVB rays of the sun. This tasty fruit is known to increase the protective nature of the chemical-based SPF by 20%.

4. Strawberry

Packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, strawberries are one of the best natural SPF-inducing foods. They protect your skin from free radical damage of the sun rays and keep it healthy and light.

5. Green Tea

Green Tea is rich in tannic acid, which can soothe sun burns. Also, it can protect your body from UV rays, boost immunity and reduce inflammation, thereby acting as a natural SPF.

6. Almonds

Almonds contain quercetin, which is known to help your immune system protect itself from the harmful UV radiations. Also, the vitamin E content in almonds can help heal sunburns and tan.

7. Tomato

Tomato is rich in vitamin C, lycopene and antioxidants. The combination of these nutrients can help your immune system get stronger and protect your body from UV radiations and free radicals.

8. Watermelon

Watermelon is a naturally cooling fruit that can reduce body heat. In addition, it also contains 40% more lycopene than tomatoes, which makes it an excellent natural SPF.

9. Turmeric (Haldi)

The ancient system of Ayurveda opines that since turmeric is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, it can protect your skin from the harsh rays of the sun and keep your complexion healthy and radiant.

10. Leafy Greens

Greens like spinach, lettuce, etc, nourish your skin to strengthen it from within. Also, the nutrients present in them can prevent abnormal cell growth induced by the UV rays, thereby preventing skin cancer.