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Natural Sun Screen: Lycopene
Image via WikipediaLet’s begin with sun protection. The harmful effects of the sun show up not only as wrinkles and blotchy skin discoloration but potentially precancerous changes and skin cancer as well. Lycopene is an antioxidant found in brightly colored orange and red produce. Lycopene is a member of the antioxidant family known as carotenoids, which firm the skin by helping build collagen. It acts as a natural sunscreen to help protect your skin from free radical damage. Once the sun’s ultraviolet rays penetrate the skin, a chemical reaction occurs. Oxygen molecules that reside within the tissue are naturally bonded together in pairs. As a result of the reaction, they are broken apart, becoming free oxygen species (also known as free radicals). They work to destroy vulnerable cellular DNA and trigger skin-aging changes. Consuming lycopene-rich foods protects DNA from these reactive free oxygen species.
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| Model Credit to Dymond J. |
Lycopene is a naturally occurring substance found in tomatoes, red carrots, watermelons, grapefruits and papaya. Tomatoes and tomato products account for nearly 90% of lycopene,the superfruit goji berry, pink grapefruit and apricots contain appeciable levels of lycopene. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant micronutrient, commonly used as a component of naturopathic medicine and holistic nutrition.
Foods High in Lycopene
http://www.dietandfitnesstoday.com/foods-high-in-vitamin.php?nutid=337
Adapted from Dr. Oz and other resources
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