Hot tips for hot days

 

1. Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is considered an effective natural antioxidant with protective and anti-inflammatory effects. Protects cells from aging and UV radiation. We can find it, for example, in salmon or shrimp. According to studies, it works as an "internal sunscreen" because it reduces damage caused by ultraviolet rays. Vegetarians do not have many natural sources of this substance at their disposal, but it can also be obtained from a specific seaweed called Haematococcus pluvialis. Astaxanthin nutritional supplements are made from it.

2. Vitamin D

It is a paradox, but in order not to burn, we need enough vitamin D, and in order to have enough of it, we need to move in the sun. However, it is necessary to distinguish a healthy stay in the sun from a four-hour barbecue in the garden. For people with very light skin, 15 minutes of sun a day is enough. In time, the skin of such people will also be ready for a longer stay in the sun.

However, in our latitudes, we can only get vitamin D from the sun for a few months a year, so in the case of vegans, it is appropriate to think about alternatives. An important supplement is, for example, vitamin D3, which until now was obtained exclusively from oily fish. Today, however, it is already possible to buy this vitamin in a vegan version with an excellent effect on the immune system, bone strength, or muscle weakness.

3. Omega-3 fatty acids

Our body needs healthy fats to be able to regenerate skin tissue. Such fats also include omega-3 fatty acids. If you spend a lot of time in the sun, make sure you get enough omega-3 rich foods. Eat cashews, pine nuts, almonds, or flaxseed. Use linseed and evening primrose oil, a great source of vitamin E. Also eat plenty of walnuts and leafy greens. If you want to make sure you have enough omega-3s, or if you want to supplement them, try consuming pure vegan perilla oil, which is high in alpha-linolenic acid.

4. Coconut oil

Coconut oil has a natural protection factor against the sun's rays with a value of 4. If you are not in the tropics and want to protect yourself from the gentle sun, you can apply coconut oil to your skin. If you don't think coconut oil is enough, make a homemade sunscreen:

1/2 cup of almond or olive oil

1/4 coconut oil

2 tablespoons of zinc oxide

1 teaspoon of carrot seed oil

Fill a small pan about halfway with water and place it on the hot stove. Put all the ingredients except the zinc oxide into the container and into the pan with gently heating water. While the water around the container is heating, the ingredients will melt and mix. Stir or shake the mixture often to make sure everything is well combined.

Once all the ingredients are melted and mixed, add the zinc oxide. Mix well and let cool. While cooling, stir the mixture every few minutes. Homemade sunscreen cream made in this way has a protection factor of 35-40 and lasts up to six months.

5. Resveratrol

Resveratrol has anti-cancer effects and protects the cardiovascular system. If the body has enough of it, it protects the skin from harmful UV radiation. Where can we find him? In red grapes, peanut butter, dark chocolate, or blueberries.