Top up your tan... with a carrot!
10/08/2007
With the dismal British weather sending holidaymakers off to sunnier climes,
research shows that the great British carrot could help us prepare for safer,
better tanning.
Everyone knows that carrots are one of the top sources of the antioxidant
nutrient, beta-carotene. But not many of us know that the high beta-carotene
content of British carrots could boost the skin's natural protection against the
sun's rays.
Beta-carotene helps create the red, orange and yellow colours found in many
vegetables, fruits and flowers. In the body it supports the production of
melanin, which darkens the skin in response to sunlight. The body uses beta-
carotene from the diet to protect skin cells from the damaging UV rays that
cause sunburn and skin cancer.
"There is growing evidence to support this idea," confirms nutritionist, Dr
Carrie Ruxton. "Studies show that adding beta-carotene to people's diets darkens
skin pigmentation (colouring) and reduces the number of sunburnt cells. Along
with sunscreen and wearing a hat, this could help protect us from the adverse
effects of sun exposure."
She added: "A German study suggested that we need 15 to 30 mg of beta-carotene
per day over 3 months to optimize skin protection. That equates to two large
portions of lightly cooked carrots per day. It is healthier and more effective
to get your beta-carotene from natural food sources than to rely on artificial
supplements".
Eating carrots is, of course, no substitute for taking all sensible precautions
against sunburn, and you must remember to use sun protection cream.
Recipe suggestions for carrots can be found on the weblink below.