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 (ARA) - By now you probably think you've
heard all of the health reasons there are for eating your vegetables.
But, just in time for summer, researchers from Harvard University
have announced that lutein -- a potent antioxidant found in such
dark green, leafy vegetables as spinach and kale -- may protect
the skin from sun damage.
"Lutein has been widely
recognized for its eye health benefits for several years. But,
our data is the first of its kind to suggest that lutein may
have the potential to act as a preventative agent against UVB-induced
skin cancer," said Salvador Gonzalez, M.D., Ph.D., leader
of the Harvard research team. "In addition, these data suggest
that lutein protects the skin against damage caused by exposure
to UVB light, further validating our position that lutein is
a critical component to overall skin health."
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Lutein (LOO-teen) is a yellow
pigment (the yellow is covered up by chlorophyll in green leaves)
found predominantly in vegetables. It is also present in the
eyes and skin of the human body. In women, lutein is found in
the breasts and cervix. As an antioxidant, lutein protects the
eyes from the damaging effects of aging. Lutein also acts as
a light filter, protecting against the sun's harmful rays.
UVA and UVB rays are two types
of harmful rays found in sunlight. UVA rays contribute to wrinkling
the skin, as well as to the development of skin cancer. UVB rays
are the ones that are the primary cause of sunburn and skin cancer. |
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Good sunscreens block both UVA
and UVB rays and are critical to skin health. But, you can do
even more to protect your skin and eyes when you're outside this
summer.
Safety tips to keep top of
mind:
Wear UV-blocking sunglasses.
Over time, exposure to ultraviolet light can cause cataracts
and increase your risk of macular degeneration, a disease that
causes irreversible blindness.
If you're a parent, protect your
children's skin. Research indicates that one or more severe,
blistering sunburns in childhood or adolescence can double the
risk of skin cancer later in life.
Check the expiration date on
your sunscreen. Sunscreen without an expiration date has a shelf
life of no more than three years.
Eat a healthy diet comprised
of green leafy vegetables. Consumption of 6 milligrams of lutein
per day (approximately one-third cup of cooked spinach) has been
linked to a reduced risk of cataracts and age-related macular
degeneration. Vitamins and dietary supplements formulated with
purified lutein provide another option for adding this nutrient
to a daily diet.
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It's important to note that when
lutein is consumed in foods or vitamins, it deposits in various
tissues in the body -- the eyes, the skin, fat tissue and so
on. Therefore, it may also be beneficial to apply lutein directly
to the surface of your skin. Several skin care products containing
lutein are now available and can be purchased online at www.sephora.com or at salons that carry California
Tan Heliotherapy sun care products. |
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