Thursday, August 11, 2011

Black Raspberries as a Sunscreen?

Recent research from the University of Wisconsin, has found that compounds found in black raspberries may be capable of preventing cancer in the skin when it's exposed to sunlight.

What does that mean? Well, since everyday we expose our skin to ultraviolet radiation (sunlight) it's great to have your skin as protected as possible. Sure, broad rimmed hats and sunscreen are helpful, but you can arm your skin with nutrients that will target and neutralize any harmful compounds (including free radicals) that may form in your skin when it is exposed to sunlight. Nutrients found in black raspberries though do even more. They can reduce the creation of NP-kappa, a compound that is known to be a part of cancer, that can form in the skin.

What about strawberries or blueberries? Sure, these berries are packed with lots of healthy nutrients but, they simply don't have the same effects as black raspberries in laboratory tests.

What do you do to protect your skin this summer? Ever thought about lathering your skin with orange juice? Okay, sure that's not a great idea but your skin looses vitamin C as it is exposed to sunlight - and vitamin C is a major component of collagen - the scaffolding of your skin (no scaffolding = wrinkles).

My Confession? I can be terrible about remembering to bring a hat with me when I'm taking my daughter to the park or heading out for a run. But, packing my plate with colourful foods packed with lots of skin-supporting nutrients I can feel a little better.

What's your best tip for beautiful summer skin?