Beta-Carotene for Better Sun Protection
 Since my family spends a lot of time on our sailboat, I am always concerned about sun exposure, even though we slather on sunscreen several times a day. I was interested to see the results of a new study demonstrating that beta-carotene provides some additional protection... from the inside out.
In a new meta-analysis of seven studies, researchers at Münster University Hospital in Germany found that oral beta-carotene supplements help protect against sunburn. How long you take these is key, however -- protective benefits kicked in at 10 weeks, and the longer a person had been taking supplements, the more protective benefit they received. Scientists also stressed that beta-carotene alone is not the answer to sunburn prevention. With an equivalent SPF (sun protection factor) of four, at most, it should be used in addition to -- not instead of -- regular sunscreen.
Curious about how beta-carotene works its magic, I called on Daily Health News contributing medical editor, Andrew L. Rubman, ND, for an explanation. He explained that as an antioxidant, beta-carotene helps your body better withstand a variety of free radical challenges, including those posed by exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV radiation consists of particles of energy called photons -- when these strike and penetrate your skin, they set off oxidative changes that can damage tissue. Beta-carotene makes your skin more resistant to these harmful effects.
PRACTICE SUN SMARTS
Sun exposure is a must for good health. Your body needs a daily dose of at least 15 minutes to produce the vitamin D you need for bone growth, immune resistance and other physiological and mental processes. It’s nonetheless important to avoid painful and potentially dangerous sunburn -- apply water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 every two hours... wear protective clothing such as wide-brimmed hats and long-sleeved cover-ups... and seek shade as appropriate, especially when the sun’s rays are at their most intense between 10 am and 4 pm.
If you want to add beta-carotene to your sun protection plan, a daily dose shouldn’t exceed six to 15 milligrams. Better than supplements, however, is to get your beta-carotene from dietary sources -- consume five servings of fruits and vegetables daily, which naturally provide six to eight milligrams of beta-carotene. Carrots, green leafy vegetables, sweet potatoes, winter squash, cantaloupe and broccoli are all rich dietary sources.
The GreenCow Mango/Coffee/Chocolate Mix with Goji is the densest micro food on the planet that boosts your daily intake of fruits, vegetables, beta carotene and proteins. Your sun protection starts here.
  
Article from:
Rubman, A. L., ND. (2009). Beta-Carotene for better sun protection: beta-carotene protects against sunburn from inside out, Bottom Line’s Daily Health News, June 22, 2009. Retrieved July 16, 2009, from http://www.bottomlinesecrets.com/print.html?article_id=48983
References for GreenCow’s Ningxia Goji:
Dharmananda, S., Ph.D. (1997) Lycium fruit. Retrieved July 16, 2009, from http://www.goyin.com/pdf/LYCIUM%20FRUIT.pdf
The Ningxia goji berries. Retrieved July 16, 2009, from http://www.greencow.ph/product_amazing_goji_ningxia.php
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