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
“Lather, rinse, repeat” may be standard advice, but shampoo and conditioner alone won’t give you the healthy hair you crave. For the most luxurious locks possible, you’ll need to step out of the shower, and into the kitchen.