Can A Healthy Diet Help You to Stay Away from Skin Cancer?

Wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, staying under the umbrella and getting your skin examined by a dermatologist at least twice a year are commonly recommended preventive steps for skin cancer. But is there something more that you can do to prevent skin cancer? The answer is yes. Having a healthy and balanced diet is another major step that can help in preventing skin cancer.  

The prime cause behind skin cancer is excess exposure to harmful UV rays. These rays cause serious damage to the skin and generate free radicals and oxygen molecules which lead to inflammation and harm cell function and DNA of your skin. This DNA damage can lead to transformation (mutation) in your genes which lead to skin cancer.  

However, proper intake of antioxidants, vitamins and other nutrients can help your body to fight against the free radicals and stop them from causing damage which leads to skin cancer. According to a study, UV exposure causes more damage to the skin if the antioxidants in the body are depleted. Hence, these protective nutrients could boost weakened defences.

As a result of these researches, many dermatologists now suggest their patients maintain a healthy diet full of antioxidants and other helpful nutrients. Especially, food items that are rich in beta carotene might also help in boosting the overall immunity of your body and help you to fight against diseases effectively.  

So, here are some essential nutrients which you need to inculcate in your diet to prevent the emergence of skin cancer.

• Beta Carotene - This nutrient converts to vitamin A in the body and helps in boosting immunity. Hence, consuming a diet that is rich in beta carotene can help in preventing skin cancer. This nutrient is found in fruits like carrots, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, mangoes and apricots.
• Lycopene - This nutrient helps you to protect your body from sun damage. It is present in fruits such as tomatoes, guava, watermelon, apricot, papaya and grapefruit.
• Omega-3 - These nutrients are useful in reducing inflammation. Omega 3 can be found in salmon, sardines, mackerel, herring and albacore tuna. Also, flax seeds and walnuts are rich sources of omega 3. 
• Polyphenols - The polyphenols found in green tea are antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients which are useful in repairing DNA in UV-exposed skin and in lessening cell damage. 
• Selenium - According to a study, people who consume selenium are at a 31 percent lower risk of cancer. This mineral is found in brazil nuts, chicken and beef. 
• Vitamin E - This nutrient is an antioxidant that helps you to prevent harm due to free radicals and can absorb energy from UV rays, and also has anti-inflammatory qualities. Vitamin E is found in substances like almonds, sunflower seeds, spinach, soybeans and wheat germ.

So, do you wish to know about more dietary changes which can help you to stay away from skin cancer? Then book an appointment at our Skin Cancer Clinic in Geelong now. Our experts at Golden Plains Skin Cancer Clinic will consult with you and guide you to effectively prevent or fight skin cancer through comprehensive examination and medications.