What You Eat Can Protect Your Skin from the Sun

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

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

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

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

Good sunscreens 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're outside.

Safety tips to keep top of mind:

• Wear UV-blocking sunglasses. Over time, exposure to ultraviolet light can cause cataracts and increase your risk of macular degeneration, a disease that causes irreversible blindness.

• If you're a parent, protect your children's skin. Research indicates that one or more severe, blistering sunburns in childhood or adolescence can double the risk 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.

• Eat a healthy diet comprised of green leafy vegetables. Consumption of 6 milligrams of lutein per day (approximately one-third cup of cooked spinach) has been linked to a reduced risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Vitamins and dietary supplements formulated with purified lutein provide another option for adding this nutrient to a daily diet.

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

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

About The Author

Courtesy of ARA Content, www.ARAcontent.com; e-mail: info@ARAcontent.com

EDITOR'S NOTE: Barbara Levine is associate clinical professor of nutrition in medicine at Cornell University Medical College and chairperson of the Lutein Information Bureau.

---

Food Sources That Boost Glutathione Naturally

Copyright © 2004 Priya Shah Glutathione, the body's... Read More

Our Livers Need for Water

Although many realize that the liver has its own cleansing... Read More

6 Ways to Eat More Healthfully

With so much 'diet advice' around today it is little... Read More

True Culprits of High Cholesterol

What if I told you tap water and homogenized milk... Read More

Functional Foods: What They Are And How They Work

In the brain, a typical protein can live for approximately... Read More

Healthy Eating

Recently I found the book : "Eating and health according... Read More

Olive Oil -Not Just for Popeye

Archeological records indicate that man has cultivated the olive tree... Read More

Are You Lactose Intolerant?

Do you know anyone who can't consume milk or milk-based... Read More

Healthy Eating for Executives on the Run

For the executive, maintaining the much-needed balance between career, family,... Read More

Milk Soy Protein Intolerance: A Mothers Perspective

I first learned of Milk Soy Protein Intolerance (MSPI) in... Read More

Homeostasis and Complementary Therapies

The word 'homeostasis' is made up of two Greek words:... Read More

Physical Health is Attainable Through Proper Nutrition and Exercise

Obesity is epidemic in this country for both children and... Read More

Four Important Nutrients - Vitamin E, Selenium, Sodium and Potassium ? For Good Health

Vitamin EThere has been a lot of controversy about vitamin... Read More

Reasons to Eat Organic Food

Your healthOrganically grown fruit and vegetables are not covered in... Read More

Safely Transitioning Off Meal Replacement Plans

Meal replacements have been part of the diet landscape for... Read More

Can Chronic Pain Come From Food Additives?

It is always amazing to me when I find a... Read More

Ocular Nutrition and Eye Health Food

Understanding ocular nutrition and eye health can be one of... Read More

Acid and Digestive Disorders: Breaking the Vicious Circle

THE RISKThe primary symptom of acid reflux is obvious to... Read More

Time Line of the Development of GlycoBiology and GlycoNutritionals

1880s - Characterization of monosaccharides by Emil Fischer.1952 - Fresh,... Read More

Why are Free Form Essential Amino Acids Necessary and What to Look For!

1. Look for high quality, crystalline, free-form, amino acids (AAs)... Read More

Understanding Amino Acids and their Importance in Diet

The importance of protein in a healthy diet is well... Read More

The Benefits Of Drinking Herbal Teas

Herbal teas have long been known to have medicinal benefits... Read More

A Consumers Guide to Soy Terms

Although you may have heard about soy and all of... Read More

What To Eat When You Are Sick

Did you know that the food you eat when you... Read More

Eating On the Go: Healthy Choices While You Travel

If you have a business trip tomorrow morning, you've probably... Read More