By Heide Kennedy, Arizona Farm Bureau Communications Intern
It is always important that we take good care of our skin. After all, it is the largest organ in our body! Now that summer is here and the sun is shining brighter, it is all the more important that we make sure that we are protecting our skin. 
Often, whenever we think of protecting our skin, we think of slathering on sunscreen, donning a big, floppy hat, or an umbrella to help keep us shaded, or using an extensive skincare routine to keep our skin clean and moisturized. While these are all great ways to ensure the health of our skin, did you know that what you eat can also help to protect your skin too?
Healthy fats, vitamins such as vitamins A, C, and E, and other compounds such as beta carotenes, lutein, isoflavones, and lycopene are all very beneficial to reducing your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, promoting new skin cell growth, and helping skin to maintain its firmness. Certain foods are especially rich in these nutrients including the following:
- Avocados
- Fatty fish
- Walnuts
- Sunflower seeds
- Sweet potatoes
- Red or yellow bell peppers
- Broccoli
- Tomatoes
- Soy
- Dark chocolate
- Green tea
- Red grapes
Not only are these foods good for protecting our skin from the inside out, but they also have amazing health benefits in other ways too! So, it’s a win-win! Add some to your next meal and enjoy their skin-protecting benefits during these next few sunny months!
Arizona agriculture produces lots of these skin-healthy foods, so make sure to look for them at your local grocery store or farmer’s market! Check out the Fill Your Plate website for more information!