Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Healthy and Protected



Here are a few tips to keep you healthy and protected throughout the remaining days of summer.

Stay hydrated. Try cucumber water. Benefits: Great for keeping skin moisturized and soft; and helps to control body temperature.


Ingredients:

  • 1 cucumber, sliced 
  • 1 lime, sliced 
  • 4 celery stalks 
  • 1 watermelon rind — optional; however, the more, the better 


Instructions:

  1. Place all ingredients into a pitcher of water. 
  2. Let soak overnight in the refrigerator for at least eight hours. 
  3. Remove items before 12 hours to keep water from taking on a bitter taste. 
  4. Use any left over ingredients as garnish on glasses, and enjoy. 


Use sunscreen inside and out. In addition to sunscreen that you use externally on your body, there are also foods that are natural sunscreens.

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

Studies have also shown that eicosapentaenoic acid (also called EPA), an 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.

Marinate with ginger, especially seafood. Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory food. Its antibacterial properties are especially good for upset stomachs.

Lastly, enjoy every second of it! The summer goes by fast, so enjoy every moment of it with friends and family.