A beautiful golden tan is desired by most everyone, especially during the summer months. But what if your complexion is fair, you freckle easy, or prefer not to lounge in the sun, use a tanning bed or get it out of bottle? According to a new study led by Dr. Ian Stephen at the University of Nottingham, you can attain a healthy golden glow just by eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables! Sounds simple, but does it work? According to this study it does!
The study by Dr. Ian Stephen showed that by eating a diet heavy in fruits and vegetables, Caucasians noticed a difference in their skin color in only 6-8 weeks! Are you wondering how eating fruits and vegetables could give you a tan?
Scientists say it is the carotenoid in fruits and veggies that provide a natural and darker color to our skin. Carotenoids are stored in fat, under the skin and they are also secreted through the skin in serum, which gets reabsorbed back into the top layer of the skin, thus creating the golden color we desire.
Carotenoids are antioxidants that help soak up damaging compounds produced by the stresses of everyday living. Carotenoids are the source for the red coloring in fruits and vegetables. Diets rich in carotenoid laden fruits and vegetables will not only aid in giving you more of a golden skin color, but it will also help keep your immune and reproductive systems healthy!
This study by Dr. Ian Stephan was based on Caucasians, but may eventually be studied across other cultures.
What foods to eat to boost your carotenoid level?
To get a safe golden color to your skin, increase your portions of tomatoes, carrots, sweet potato, kale, broccoli, spinach, red peppers, pumpkin, green leafy vegetables, broccoli and peas. Eating foods rich in carotenoid is the healthiest way to enhance your skin color without any side effects.
References:
University of Nottingham (2011, January 12). Eating vegetables gives skin a healthier glow than the sun, study shows. Science Daily. Retrieved August 17, 2011, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2011/01/110111133224.htm
Eating Vegetables Gives You a Tan | ThirdAge
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