Foods and drinks that prevent sunburn

The Japanese summer can be harsh in terms of UV rays. Sometimes sunscreen might not be enough to protect your skin sufficiently. But you can also support your skin with smart food and drink choices. Here are some foods and drinks that make your skin stronger against UV rays and prevent damage that it might cause.

1. Blueberries

Blueberries are rich in antioxidants. These help to fight free radicals that are caused by UV rays in the sunlight. In Japan, fresh blueberries can be expensive but in most supermarkets you can find frozen blueberries for better prices. I must say though that fresh blueberries taste better, especially when they come from a local farm.

2. Green Tea

A study in 2010 found that green tea can reduce the number of tumours induced by UVA light in mice. It also is said to protect your skin against the decrease of collagen.

In Japan, you can also find skincare products that contain green tea extract, but I personally think it would make more sense to drink tea because most substances in skincare products cannot pass through the barrier of the skin. Green tea is available from every vending machine in Japan and of course in supermarkets and convenience stores as well.

3. Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate also contains many antioxidants. But you should choose chocolate of 70% cacao or higher. I once tried a 95% chocolate, and I must say it was an interesting experience. It didn’t taste like chocolate but rather like cacao which makes sense if 95% of it is cacao.

The package even had a warning because of the extremely bitter taste.

I personally can enjoy chocolate up to 85%. As chocolate contains a lot of fat you might not want to eat too much. But if you go with the 95% chocolate, eating too much is probably impossible. Dark chocolate is available in every supermarket in Japan.

4. Pomegranate

Pomegranates are extremely rich in antioxidants, ellagic acid and have anti-inflammatory agents. They can help your skin resist cell damage caused by UV rays. In Japan, they might not be easy to get. In fact, I think I haven’t seen them in Japan yet. But you can buy pomegranate supplements on amazon Japan.

5. Sweet Potato

Sweet Potatoes contain beta-carotene which is also an anti-oxidant. I read a book called “DNA restart” that talked about an ancient tribe living in an area with high sunlight exposure. They would traditionally eat a lot of sweet potatoes. It is suggested that because of this they didn’t have much trouble with skin cancer. People from that tribe that moved to a larger city and changed their diet ended up with significantly higher skin cancer rates.

Baked sweet potatoes can be found in many Japanese supermarkets or convenience stores ready for eating. Sweet Potatoes have more calories than regular potatoes, but they also have more fibre.

How are you dealing with the strong sunlight in the Japanese summer? Do you have special foods you eat during summer to protect your skin?