Alba Botanica While Wet Sunscreen Spray SPF 30 -- 6 fl oz

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Life is all about perfect balances. The perfect balance of work and play, physical activity and recovery time, even that ideal balance of peanut butter and jelly in a PB&J. Similarly, achieving the optimal balance in sun exposure is also crucial. It’s about getting enough sun for a good dose of vitamin D without too much exposure that may lead to skin damage. Vitamin D plays a role in bone health, disease prevention, heart health and immune system function. There are very few foods that are considered a good source of vitamin D, therefore, getting it from the sun is essential. However, with sun exposure also comes the risk of skin damage. When it comes to sun protection, sunscreen and protective clothing are the first line of defense. But did you know there may be nutrients in food that provide sun protection against UV damage?  By adding these foods to your diet, you can protect your skin from the inside out!

Foods That Provide Sun Protection

Bell peppers

Bell peppers have vitamin C, E and A. These vitamins have been shown to limit the damage induced by UV exposure. Bell peppers are so versatile and can be used in many different dishes such as stir fries, omelets, tacos, sandwiches and more!

Kale

Kale contains vitamins C and A. Kale is a delicious leafy green vegetable that can be made into kale chips, added to salads, used in casseroles and more. Kale can often be sneakily added into recipes like smoothies and sauces without much difference at all – a hack that works for toddlers and adults alike who don’t favor many vegetables. Do you want your kiddos to eat more greens? Try this strawberry kale juice (tip: add any juice to sparkling water for mocktail suitable for all ages!).

Nuts and seeds

Not only are nuts and seeds a good source of plant-based protein, but they may also aid in skin protection. Nuts and seeds have zinc, selenium and omega three fatty acids, all of which may be linked to skin health and sun protection. Nuts and seeds can be added to just about any dish or snack. Need an easy (and delicious) suggestion for adding nuts and seeds to your day? Try this granola with some yogurt for a great mid-day snack!

Sweet potatoes

Like kale, sweet potatoes also have vitamin c and a. Sweet potatoes can be the answer to any craving, sweet or salty! Make them sweet by topping a baked sweet potato with peanut butter, maple syrup and cinnamon. Make them savory by having a baked sweet potato loaded with black beans, bell peppers and a sprinkle of cheese. Not sure what to do with your sweet potato? Try this lentil and sweet potato skillet! Oh, and speaking of lentils…

Lentils

Lentils are full of nutrients such as b vitamins, iron, fiber, plant-based protein and more. They also have that skin protecting nutrient, zinc. Lentils are very versatile and easy to prepare. You can use them as a plant-based alternative for ground beef in dishes such as tacos, shepherd’s pie, or a Bolognese-type pasta sauce. Try these canned lentils for an even more convenient option. Just give them a good rinse, and they’re ready to go!

Whole grains

Whole grains provide fiber, which is a very important nutrient. Whole grains also have zinc and selenium which we now know aids in sun protection. Try aiming for at least half of your grains to be whole grains. Not only is this great practice for a well-balanced, nutrient dense way of eating, but it will also increase those skin protecting nutrients.

Why these nutrients?

Vitamins C, E, A, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc and selenium – what do they all have in common? They all have antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help the body from damage caused by free radicals. UV rays, which trigger free radical production in the skin, can damage skin cells. While the health benefits of antioxidants are a relatively new area of study with more research needed, evidence suggests that they may play a role in disease prevention.

Where else can you get antioxidants from?

Luckily for us, there is no shortage of antioxidant sources. There are hundreds, perhaps thousands, of different types of antioxidants. A balanced diet that consists of a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will supply you with antioxidants and other beneficial nutrients. Interested in learning more about using food as medicine or just need help with eating a balanced diet? Schedule a 1:1 virtual telenutrition appointment with a Kroger health registered dietitian, our nutrition experts today![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title="Featured Products" border_width="2"][vc_row_inner equal_height="yes" content_placement="middle" gap="35"][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="176176" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1719607678801{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/the-seaweed-bath-co-clear-guard-spf-40-sport"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="176175" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1719607702006{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/mad-hippie-ultra-sheer-body-spf-40"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="176173" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1719607719756{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/badger-adventure-mineral-sunscreen-spf-50"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]