I find I have with regard to keeping skin cells protected from the inside out, stimulating healthy regeneration that starts from within and grows outward. Here’s a list of some of the foods that she advocates for healthy skin most.

Coffee

For those of us that are big on coffee, here’s some good news. A study that was conducted including more than 93,000 women published in the European Journal of Cancer Prevention found that those drinking even one single cup daily decreased their skin cancer risk of developing a specific cancer called non melanoma by around 10 percent. What’s interesting, is that it showed the more they drank, upwards of around 6 cups, the lower their risk. I guess there’s nothing wrong with that 4th or 5th cup I’m always pouring!

Strawberries

Research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that consuming more vitamin C rich foods may be helpful in keeping wrinkles at bay. The free radical quenching power of this nutrient is what cleans up free radicals that are produced by UV rays. Vitamin C also plays a big role in the synthesis of collagen, the skin firming component composed of fibrous protein. Vitamin C is available in a number of cosmetics but food sources are always more effective. Foods like strawberries, broccoli, red peppers and papaya are great sources.

Salmon

In a 2009 study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that the healthy omega 3 fatty acids EPA and DHA abundant in tuna, sardines, trout and salmon may protect cell walls from free radical damage done by UV rays. Omega 3’s are also helpful in decreasing compounds that cause the inflammation that contributes to tumor growth.

Tomatoes

Lycopene, a carotenoid that gives red and pink fruits and veggies their hue can be beneficial for keeping UV exposed skin protected from sunburn, according to a study done in 2008 in the European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics. Research found that half of the 20 individuals studied, who consumed higher levels of lycopene foods had smoother skin that was less susceptible to sunburn. These results came after each individual consumed 2 ½ tablespoons of tomato paste or 1 2/3 cup of carrot juice daily. This study also concluded that supplements were not as effective in this regard.

Just more evidence to back up the theory regarding a healthy diet’s positive effect on healthy younger looking skin, that’s more resilient against skin cancer. Lower your risk of skin cancer daily by including these beneficial foods in your day.