Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Summer Wellness

Happy July! I hope everyone is keeping cool and safe this summer. I hope everyone is wearing plenty of sunscreen and a hat for protection when heading outside. Did you know that you could get sun protection through your food?

Beta-carotene, lycopene and lutein are carotenoids (any of a class of mainly yellow, orange, or red fat-soluble pigments, which give color to plant parts such as ripe tomatoes and autumn leaves) that studies have shown to be particularly effective for protecting the skin against sun damage. Try adding the following to your diet: carrots, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, squash, peppers, cantaloupe melons, nectarines, papaya, mango and dark green vegetables.

Studies have shown that eicosapentaenoic acid (also called EPA), a Type omega 3 fatty acid, helps lengthen the time that it takes skin to burn during sun exposure. Additionally, it helps reduce the risk of skin cancer. The best omega 3 fatty acids containing EPA and DHA are found in animal products such as, grass-fed beef, cold water and wild caught fish (e.g., salmon, sardines, and mackerel), and free-range chickens/eggs.

However, though you can get sun protection from your food, the amount of protection you receive is not enough protection from the sun. So, remember to wear sunscreen daily. The most ideal sunscreens are products with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as their active ingredients. Both block UVA and UVB rays, and are safe products for your skin. They have raised no health concerns to date.

Do enjoy the beautiful sun! Don’t be scared off by the heat. Just remember to protect your skin inside and outside with a healthy diet and high-quality sunscreens. You will not only soak up the vitamin D with all its health benefits, but have soft smooth skin as well.

The following recipes are from a post last year and will help to keep you cool through the hot summer months:

Cucumber Water

Benefits: Great for keeping skin moisturized and soft; helps to control body temperature

Ingredients:

1 cucumber, sliced

1 lime, sliced

4 celery stalks

1 watermelon rind



Instructions:

Place all ingredients into a pitcher of water.

Let soak overnight in the refrigerator for at least 8 to 11 hours. Remove ingredients before 12 hours to keep water from taking on a bitter taste. Please drink this water within the week.

Use ingredients as garnish on glasses, and enjoy.





Cold Chrysanthemum Tea

Benefits: Prevents sunstroke and clears heat from the body; reduces symptoms of urinary tract infection (UTI)

Ingredients:

60 – 80 white chrysanthemum flowers (can be found dried in most Asian grocery stores)

4 liters of water

Rock sugar candy, or honey to taste



Instructions:

Wash chrysanthemum (gentle rise).

Pour water into a pot and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat and add chrysanthemum.

Cook for 10 minutes, then add rock sugar or honey (optional).

Turn off heat, then allow tea to brew for an additional 10 minutes.

Remove pot from heat and allow mixture to cool to room temperature.

Strain tea into a pitcher and refrigerate.

Serve chilled and enjoy.