Coffee
We don’t often associate coffee with multiple health benefits, but recent studies show that coffee could, in fact, be beneficial in fighting melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. A recent report published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute reveals an extraordinary discovery; people who drink more than 4 cups of coffee a day are 20% less likely to develop melanoma over ten years. The thorough study looked at 447,000 people and analyzed their medical history as well as their lifestyle habits.
Research shows that caffeinated coffee contains compounds such as polyphenols that can control the cancerous processes that are caused by UV light. Lab tests have also shown that caffeinated coffee beans release a vitamin derivative that can protect against UV damage and new evidence shows that caffeine can act as a sort of molecular sunscreen. It has the ability to absorb UV rays before they are able to cause damage to the DNA.
All of this evidence is very new, and of course, does not mean that you can neglect to use sunscreen. Combining safe sun methods while drinking beverages that have cancer-fighting abilities is the best way to avoid skin cancer.
Organic green shakes
Whizzing up your own natural shakes each day is a great way to feed your skin and increase the number of antioxidants that you consume. There are plenty of recipes available online but your best bet is to put in a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables that you enjoy the flavor of. A good basis is; a generous handful of greens (including spinach, kale, chard or romaine), a couple of handfuls of fresh fruit (mangoes, bananas, apples, pineapples, berries), a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice and a cup of almond milk or organic coconut oil.
Leafy greens are rammed full of antioxidants that will fight the free radicals known for causing cancer. Fruits have the same cancer-fighting benefits. Almond milk is packed full of antioxidants, so it will help fight those free radicals as well as repairing your skin and improving the overall health of your skin. It is also rich in vitamin E which is essential for a glowing and healthy complexion. Virgin coconut oil has many health benefits as well as being very flavorsome. It improves the moisture and lipid content of the skin, meaning your complexion will be smoother, more radiant and have fewer wrinkles.
Water
It is easy to forget that our skin is an organ, it just happens to be on show meaning that if it is not receiving the proper nutrients and hydration that it will be very obvious. Water is essential for any organ to work, our cells cannot function properly without water. If your skin is dehydrated then the cells will find it even harder to fight against skin cancer and melanoma. Not only does water help with the health of our skin but it also helps with the appearance too. Well-hydrated skin will be less prone to wrinkles and dryness, it will glow with health and radiance. Try and drink at least 2 liters of water each day to replace the water that is lost each day. Drink more water if you exercise or the weather is especially hot. Expecting your body to function properly without water is like expecting a car to work without fuel.
Fresh cherry juice
Cherries are rammed full of amazing health benefits. They can protect against oxidative stress; meaning they directly fight free radicals, protect DNA from damage and activate antioxidant enzyme systems in the body. Tart cherries such as morello cherries are one of the few foods to contain melatonin, the sleep-inducing hormone that improves mood and sleep quality. As cancer has been linked to stress, low mood and lack of sleep, natural methods to ensure that you are sleeping properly are essential. Cherries are also known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
To get the most antioxidant benefits from your cherry juice it is best to make your own juice from fresh cherries. Cherry trees are easy to maintain and benefit from the pretty blossom in the springtime. Morello cherries are also self-pollinating meaning they bear fruit without fail each summer. If you don’t have the means to grow your own cherry trees then look for fresh cherries at farmer’s markets and local outlets. Sour or tart cherries have the most antioxidant benefits.
Green tea
Green tea is renowned for its numerous health benefits, these include cancer-fighting properties as well as being wonderful for general skin health. Green tea is packed full of polyphenols that are known for skin photoprotection. Of course, it is no substitute for sunscreen but it may well enhance the protection. Studies show that consuming green tea can prevent UVB-induced skin tumors from developing because it helps DNA to rapidly repair itself. Lab tests have shown that green tea can protect against UVA and UVB radiation-induced skin cancer. Basically, green tea can help fight free radicals as well as helping DNA to repair itself, meaning it has numerous benefits. For these benefits to be optimized it is recommended that you drink several cups of green tea each day. Because green tea is so rich in antioxidants it is also known to slow down the signs of aging and studies show that those who drink green tea regularly have greater skin elasticity than those who don’t.
All of these drinks are easy to fit into your lifestyle. Please remember that regular skincare checks and a clear understanding of melanoma and skin cancer symptoms are crucial. What you eat and drink will have immense health benefits and really can support you in your fight against skin cancer. However, staying safe in the sun is of vital importance too.
