Is it possible that eating the right kinds of foods often enough can protect us from the sun? Well, experts say It can’t hurt! Plants have their own built-in protection against the damaging effects of the sun. When you eat foods derived from these plants, you consume protective compounds known as phytonutrients. These phytonutrients such as carotenoids, flavonoids, flavanols help boost your skin’s natural ability to protect itself by stimulating the synthesis of melanin and by chasing away free radicals caused by UV rays and many other environmental toxins. So, why not combine them into one delicious dish? This recipe is perfect for any potluck or BBQ this summer:
Sunscreen Salad (serves 6)
Ingredients
For salad, mix:
5 oz kale
1 carrot, thinly sliced or shredded
½ c kidney beans, cooked and rinsed
½ c walnut pieces
½ c fresh organic blueberries
¼ c pomegranate seeds
For Dressing, mix:
1 tsp Dijon mustard
2 Tbsp pomegranate juice
1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
4 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil,
1 Tbsp fresh chopped cilantro
1 Tbsp fresh chopped basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions

WHISK dressing well and pour over salad. Toss salad and serve.
NOTE: What's in it for your skin: With kale, carrots, blueberries, and pomegranates, this salad is a great source of vitamin C and the antioxidant family of carotenes, especially beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Research shows carotenoid-rich diets can protect human skin against sun damage by helping shield it from UV damage. Bonus: walnuts are full of essential fatty acids, a key building block of skin cell membranes, to promote plump, smooth skin.

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• Food & Nutrition