Ever had a sinister little bump or growth removed from your skin? Eating these might help keep that spot from coming back: leafy greens.
In people with a history of squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common form of skin cancer, a diet high in leafy greens was associated with a reduced risk of another round of the disease.
Reducing the Rounds
The link between a greens-rich diet and lower squamous cell carcinoma recurrence needs more research, but a recent study suggested a possible 50 percent risk reduction. Promising news, especially since people who’ve experienced one growth have a higher risk of getting another. Researchers aren’t sure why leafy greens may have an impact, but we already know that the veggies are full of skin-friendly vitamins and nutrients, like lutein and zeaxanthin. Here’s another vegetable your skin loves to see in salads.
More Ways to Keep Skin Covered
Of course, nothing beats the tried-and-true basics of skin protection, such as wearing sunscreen and wide-brimmed hats, keeping covered, and avoiding the sun during peak hours. But eating more leafy greens certainly couldn’t hurt, either. When you need a break from fresh garden salads, try these takes on lettuce, kale, and spinach from EatingWell.
* Creamy Spinach Dip — It has less fat, but it’s still perfect for dipping those baked chips.
* Five-Spice Turkey & Lettuce Wraps — Crisp lettuce makes a low-calorie wrapper for the tangy Asian filling.
* Kale with Apples & Mustard — This sweet and sour dish is big on flavor.
Doing routine self-examinations for skin cancer can make your RealAge as much as 1.7 years younger.realage
