We will introduce useful "food information" for those concerned about ultraviolet rays.

☆UV protection☆

◆UV rays and skin troubles

◆Ultraviolet ray care through meals

Recommended recipes in collaboration with [Oishii Kenko Co., Ltd.]

◆Bitter melon and chicken fillet with salted kelp

◆Garlic flavored canned mackerel and tomato

Skin problems caused by UV rays include spots, wrinkles, and sagging. It is said that UV-A and UV-B are particularly involved.

<Types of ultraviolet rays and their effects on the skin>

●UV-A

Ultraviolet rays affect the dermis deep within the skin. It is said to cause wrinkles and sagging by destroying collagen and elastin.

●UV-B

Ultraviolet rays affect the epidermis of the skin. It is said to stimulate melanocytes andincrease melanin, which is the source of age spots .

●Blue light

Like UV rays, it is said to cause wrinkles and sagging skin .

☆Click here for an article on the occurrence and care of stains☆

The best way to protect yourself from UV rays is to use sunscreen. Choose a sunscreen that suits the occasion and your skin by referring to the PA value for UV-A protection and the SPF value for UV-B protection.

The strength of UV rays varies depending on the weather, but you need to be careful because long-term exposure to even weak UV rays can have the same effect as short-term exposure to strong UV rays.

An index called the "UV Index" is used internationally to measure these effects. This is an index that comprehensively evaluates the degree of influence that each wavelength has on the human body. * Refer to the Japan Meteorological Agency website

If you are interested, please check it out.

☆Ultraviolet light information distribution map☆

～Do you know? Photosensitivity

Symptoms such as a rash with redness and itching may appear only on areas of exposed skin that have been exposed to sunlight. This is called photosensitivity (sun allergy).

There are various causes, including allergies, genetics, and metabolic abnormalities, but in many cases the cause is unknown. Symptoms may also occur if you are exposed to sunlight after using medicines or cosmetics that contain certain ingredients.

Although they do not occur frequently, you should be aware that these symptoms may occur.

<Substances that tend to cause photosensitivity>

*Using this ingredient does not necessarily mean that symptoms will occur.

The best way to prevent symptoms is to block out UV rays. Avoid going out between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when ultraviolet rays are strong, and minimize exposed skin by wearing hats, gloves, and parasols. *See NPO Self-Medication Net Photosensitivity

It is very important to protect yourself from UV rays not only from the outside, but also from the inside of your body. Here we will tell you how you can take care of yourself with food.

①Vitamin C

It is a vitamin that has antioxidant properties and is necessary for the production of collagen. It is found in large amounts in strawberries, citrus fruits, paprika, etc. Since it is a water-soluble vitamin, it is more efficient to ingest it if you eat it raw . Avoid soaking or rinsing too much.

However, fruits and vegetables that contain vitamin C may contain an ingredient called psoralen, which can cause dark spots. Psoralen is called a phototoxic substance and has the property of absorbing ultraviolet rays. This increases your skin's sensitivity to UV rays, making it more susceptible to damage. Its effects are said to last for 2 to 7 hours after meals.

Some citrus fruits contain this "psoralen". Just because you want to get enough vitamin C, avoid taking a large amount for breakfast.

Even if you consume a lot, there is no problem as long as you are not exposed to UV rays. In addition to wearing sunscreen, take proper UV protection by wearing a parasol and long sleeves.

②Vitamin E

It is said to promote skin regeneration by improving blood circulation. It is found in large amounts in sesame seeds, almonds, and oil. Although it is not common to be deficient , if you are a vegetarian or tend to avoid oils, it may be a good idea to have almonds and nuts as a snack.

③Carotenoids (β-carotene, lycopene, etc.)

It is found in large amounts in carrots, bell peppers, spinach, and tomatoes. It has strong antioxidant power, so it is recommended in the summer when UV rays are strong. Since it is an oil-soluble ingredient, cooking with oil will increase its absorption . Cooking in oil also allows you to get vitamin E, so you can kill two birds with one stone.

 

④Polyphenols (anthocyanins, catechins, etc.)

It is abundant in blueberries, apples, green tea, eggplants, etc. Although the action differs depending on the type, it is a component with strong antioxidant power. In particular, the anthocyanins contained in blueberries are expected to protect the eyes from ultraviolet rays. The polyphenols of plants are found in large amounts in the skin , so try to eat the skin as much as possible.

⑤Protein

It is often found in foods eaten as side dishes such as meat, fish, eggs, and soybeans. If you don't have enough protein, which is the building block of your skin, you won't be able to repair damage caused by UV rays. There are two types of protein: animal-based and plant-based. Animal-based proteins are mainly meat, fish, and dairy products, and plant-based proteins are mainly eggs and soybean products.

Each type of food has different characteristics, so be sure to eat a well-balanced diet from a variety of foods.

⑥ Hatomagi

It is said that the yokuinin contained in barley promotes the rebirth of the skin. It contains an ingredient called coixelanoid, which is said to be good for preventing and improving the spots and warts that often appear on the neck and around the eyes. You can expect the above-mentioned effects from Hato-barley tea or Yokuinin itself.

In stores, it is sold as hatomugi itself or as the Chinese herbal medicine yokuinin.

~~Hato barley tea and barley tea~~

Although they belong to the same grass family, Hato Mugicha uses ``Hato Mugi'' and Mugicha uses ``Barley'', so they are completely different.

Hatomugi and yokuinin are treated as the same thing, but the one with the husk removed is called ``yokuinin,'' and the one with the husk or as a health food is called ``hatobari.''

Although the action is the same, it is said that the Hatomugi itself is more gentle , so if you are trying it for the first time, it may be a good idea to start with Hatomugi.

However, pregnant women should refrain from overdosing .

*It is said that consuming too much Hatomugi may stimulate uterine contractions.

In this season when the UV rays are strong, why not try to eat these foods a little more carefully than in other seasons?

Especially on days when you have been outside all day and have been exposed to a lot of UV rays.