During the summer, you probably stock up on sunscreen, sunglasses, hats and cover-ups to protect your skin from the sun. But did you know another way to battle the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays can be found right in the produce aisle of your supermarket?
As it turns out, watermelon as well as ruby red grapefruit and tomatoes are all rich in lycopene. This powerful antioxidant found in reddish-colored fruits tends to act as a natural sunscreen. It actually protects skin cells from the sun’s burning rays which can lead to premature aging and even skin cancer, and replenishes them. In addition, lycopene helps your skin act as a natural filter, allowing enough sunlight through for your body to produce vitamin D.
Besides helping to prevent sunburns, lycopene can also help prevent wrinkles. It strengthens the elasticity of skin tissues while keeping them from losing their tension.
To increase lycopene absorption from food, serve it with a bit of oil such as salad dressing or olive oil. Best picks for lycopene include cooked tomato products such as tomato soup, tomato juice, spaghetti sauce and canned tomato sauce; and watermelon, ruby red grapefruit and guava.
Watermelon Salsa
Serves 16 – ¼ cup each
All you need:
- 2 cups chopped watermelon
- 2 kiwifruits, peeled, quartered and thinly sliced
- 1 cup diced strawberries
- ½ cup diced red onion
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
- Juice of one lime
All you do:
- In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients. Serve with baked pita chips, over chicken or fish or as a refreshing salad alongside a sandwich.
Nutrition Facts per serving: 20 calories, 0 g fat, 0 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 4 g carbohydrates, 1 g fiber, 3 g sugar, 0 g protein, Vitamin C 30%.
Source: http://www.hy-vee.com
The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.