Eat veggies to get a Tan?

By now you should have heard about the dangers of tanning booths—skin cancer and eye damage, to name just two. But here's something to try, and its healthy!

According to the Journal Evolution and Human Behavior, munching on carrots and tomatoes is the best way to get your skin looking sun-kissed. Other skin-friendly vegetables include leafy greens such as spinach, and organically grown produce since these churn out higher levels of antioxidants.

According to Ian Stephen from the School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, Malaysia Campus,, "Most people think the best way to improve skin color is to get a suntan, but our research shows that eating lots of fruit and vegetables is actually more effective."

This is because of a substance found in vegetables called carotenoids. It's an antioxidant that helps soak up damaging compounds produced by the stresses and strains of everyday life. Carotenoids are also responsible for the red coloring found in certain fruits and vegetables. An added benefit is that it promotes the immune and reproductive system.

Dermatologist Amy Wechsler, MD also notes that vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, and also phytochemicals, which is a protective plant substance that may benefit humans as well. Additionally, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help replenish your natural antioxidant stores, protect sun-exposed skin, ward off wrinkles, and even cut your risk of skin cancer. The abundance of vitamin C in these foods is also beneficial in the production of collagen. Vitamin C is also an anti-aging agent and minimizes skin thinning and dryness.

If loading up up on veggies feels a bit intimidating, try increasing your intake gradually. In the meantime, opt for sunless tanning products- most do-it-yourself tanners contain a nontoxic sugar called dihydroxyacetone. This way, get the even, glowing skin you want without putting your health in harm's way.

(This article was written by Elizabeth Sanchez)

Muscadine grapes and antioxidants

Studies conducted by the National Cancer Institute, the University of Florida and the Nutraceutical Research laboratories at the University of Georgia found that the Muscadine grape possesses one of the highest antioxidant levels among fruits. Antioxidants play a key role in the maintenance of healthy immune system.

Their findings also showed the Muscadine holds anti-inflammatory properties, the ability to lower bad (LDL) cholesterol while raising good (HDL) cholesterol and inhibit the growth of prostrate and breast cancer cells.

Mild consumption of red wine has been shown to decrease heart disease, the number one killer among Americans.

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Pure Honey Benefits

Starting on July 14, 2009, honey produced, sold or processed in Florida must be all natural. Florida has become the first state in the nation to prohibit additives, chemicals or adulterants from being added to sweetener. 

According to Florida's Agriculture Commissioner, Charles H. Bronson, " We want to assure consumers that the product they are buying is pure. Too often in the pas, honey has been cut with water or sugar and sometimes even contaminated with insecticides or antibiotics. In the future, when you're paying for honey in Florida, pure honey is what you will get."

All natural honey has been a beauty product since the days of Cleopatra and is still used today in both hair and skin care products. Honey is a natural humectant, which means it has the ability to maintain softness, suppleness and elasticity. As skin ages, or as it is exposed to environmental stresses and chemical agents, it loses its' ability to retain water, it becomes dry and appears wrinkled. Honey's natural hydrating properties make it idea for use in moisturizing products and is suitable for sensitive skin products.

Studies have also revealed that honey has significant natural antioxidant properties too. Antioxidants play a role in protecting the skin from the damage of UV rays and aiding the skin in rejuvenation. Prolonged exposure to the sun's UV radiation can cause skin damage, premature aging and even skin cancer.

Additionally, honey's antimicrobial properties, inhibit the growth of certain bacteria, make it useful for treatment of minor acne flare ups. Honey won't dry the skin like other acne related products will. Honey's prospects in skin care are looking better at its' use to create alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). AHAs are an important ingredient in many skin creams and moisturizers because they help exfoliate the skin. Exfoliating increases the renewal of skin cells and gives a younger more vibrant look. 

Many spas use honey in their treatments; such as body wraps and facials. A few include: milk + honey spa in Austin, Texas, and the Ponte Vedra Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra, Fl, and also at Uhma Spa in Miami Beach (uses raw honey in deep cleaning facial and avocado and honey masque for the body). 

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Antioxidants, surprises

Chocolate lovers you are going to love this! Researchers a the University of Oslo wanted to know which foods have the highest concentration of antioxidants, the natural chemicals in food that make us healthy and prevent disease. They tested 1,113 common foods and drinks.

The most surprising? Chocolate ice cream rated higher than fruits like honeydew and green grapes! Here are the best 10 foods to eat to "anti" up:

1. Blackberries, 1 cup

2. Walnuts, 1 ounce

3. Strawberries, 1 c

4. Artichoke hearts, 1 c

5. Cranberries, 1 c

6. Brewed coffee, 8 ounces

7. Raspberries, 1 c

8. Pecans, 1 ounce

9. Blueberries, 1 c

10. Ground cloves, 1 teaspoon

originally published in Fitness magazine, November 2006.