Benefits of Lycopene in Your Diet: Lycopene Could Be Your Secret Weapon to Combating Sun Damage by Dr. Vikki Petersen

Nutrition Family Health
8 months ago

Benefits of Lycopene in Your Diet: Lycopene Could Be Your Secret Weapon to Combating Sun Damage

Most of us know the importance of applying sunscreen before going out for a day in the sun. However, there must be more natural ways of boosting our body’s natural defenses against UV rays, right? Lycopene may be your secret weapon to combatting sun damage.

Lycopene, a carotenoid found in red fruits, can protect your skin against UV radiation as it absorbs both UVA and UVB rays. Enjoying lycopene-rich foods can reduce sunburn and UV radiation skin aging. The timing of consuming such foods aligns with the sun. In other words, enjoy them during the daytime to get the most benefit.

For your next outdoor adventure, here are some foods to help fight against sun damage:

  1. Watermelon: What is more delightful on a hot summer day than enjoying juicy watermelon? Its UV protection takes a few weeks to build up, but enjoying this delicious fruit actually provides more lycopene than fresh tomatoes and can act as a natural sunscreen. Note: do not eschew topical sunscreen, but this internal protection is a nice benefit.
  2. Tomatoes: Half of the richest foods in lycopene are variations of tomato products. The winner is sundried tomatoes, followed by tomato puree, fresh tomatoes and canned. Sundried tomatoes contain more than 10 times the amount of lycopene as fresh tomatoes. Tomatoes are especially sweet in the summer and can be enjoyed on salads or as a side dish with most meals.
  3. Guava: Guava beats watermelon for its lycopene content, placing third to sundried tomatoes and tomato puree. It is interesting that this traditional tropical fruit, along with papaya, the next one on the list, are common in warm climates where their sun protecting capabilities are so needed. Enjoy it as part of a fruit smoothie, summer salad or healthy dessert.
  4. Papaya: Papaya, another tropical fruit, is a great addition to any summer fruit salad or a sweet addition to any meal, including a morning smoothie.
  5. Pink Grapefruit: Citrus fruits are particularly healthy, but the “pink” is a trademark for lycopene and is a delicious way to start your day and boost your sun protection internally.

Note: 30Seconds is a participant in the Amazon affiliate advertising program and this post contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission or fees if you make a purchase via those links. The content on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice. The information on this site should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, and is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your personal healthcare provider. The opinions or views expressed on 30Seconds.com do not necessarily represent those of 30Seconds or any of its employees, corporate partners or affiliates.

Take 30 seconds and join the 30Seconds community, and follow us on Facebook to get inspiration in your newsfeed daily. Inspire and be inspired.

Related Products on Amazon We Think You May Like:

30Second Mobile, Inc. is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Sweet Broiled Grapefruit Recipe: A Healthy Brunch, Breakfast or Snack Recipe Fast

This Refreshing Watermelon Agua Frescas Recipe Is a Healthy Way to Hydrate

Best Pasta Sauce Recipe Ever: 4-Ingredient Spaghetti Sauce Recipe Starts With Fresh Tomatoes

Papaya, Cinnamon & Turmeric Smoothie Recipe Is As Nutritious As It Is Delicious

Cassiday
I eat lots of tomatoes because of this 🍅
Elisa Schmitz
How cool is that, Dr. Vikki Petersen ! Love using food as medicine. Thank you for sharing!
Tribe
Can't beat watermelon in the summer for hydration, too.

join discussion

Please login to comment.

recommended tips

Mental Health Awareness Month: 8 Mental Health Tips From the Experts

What Does Happy Look Like? 8 Characteristics of Happy, Prosperous People

Mental Health Stigma: Are You Part of the Problem & Misunderstanding of Mental Illness?

Spring Into Well-being: 15 Inspirational Tips for a Healthier You