Food and tan – where is the link between these two things? Though it may sound surprisingly, there is a direct connection because many products we eat can enhance the production of melanin – the pigment
that makes our skin beautiful and golden. In addition, appropriate tan menu gives you important substances that protect the skin from premature aging and strengthens your immune system. It also helps to avoid unwanted side effects of the tanning – premature wrinkling, pigmentation and infections.
Melanin is synthesized from two amino acids – tyrosine and tryptophan that are found in products of animal origin and bananas. Antioxidants are also indispensable during a summer – carotenoid lycopene and beta-carotene (vitamin A) have been researched to protect human’s cell membranes from the sun damage and provide more intense tan. It must be remembered that these materials are absorbed only when an adequate amount of fat is received from food!
Another important antioxidant is vitamin E. It neutralizes free radicals – the main cause of premature aging. The selenium protects against burns and dryness. The main rule for those who are trying to keep their bronze tan as long as possible is drinking more water! When the skin becomes dry, it
soon begins to peel off and quickly loses its nice color. Therefore, normal amount of water you drink can be safely doubled during a hot day.
However, next to the substances that help to get a beautiful tan, there are also such substances that slow down these processes. The biggest enemy of the tan is Vitamin C which slows down melanin production. So, citrus fruits, berries, spinach, fresh and pickled cabbage will postpone your tan. However, some of these products are available only in a summer time, so if you want a beautiful tan, enjoy these products less than frequently. In addition, salted, smoked, grilled foods and canned goods have been also researched to prevent the tan. They are rich in salt, which stops melanin production.
Drinks that should be avoided are coffee, strong black tea, sweet drinks and alcohol because they promote dehydration of the skin.