If you want to enjoy the sun, you will have to protect from the outside as well as from the inside. Depending on your skin type, your skin is only able to protect itself from exposure to sunlight to a limited degree. In addition to the use of sunscreen with an appropriate sun protection factor, its application is important as well. However, regularly applying sunscreen has also a great disadvantage: Sun protection factors can affect the endogenous formation of vitamin D. This shows that vitamin D is a must – even during the summer months!
As far as micronutrients are concerned, we can start putting up our inner parasol even earlier: Vitamin A, for example, plays an essential role in the maintenance of healthy skin. Its precursor is beta-Carotene, which can be transformed into vitamin A when needed. But in which foods can beta-Carotene be found? At this point, the rainbow principle can be applied: the more colourful fruits and vegetables are, the better.
Having a barbecue is an integral part of summer days – such as applying sun blocker. But the next thing you realise, is that your tummy has turned into a pot belly. Exercise would be great now – but during this summer heat? Whether you should practice sports on hot summer days, is a matter of duration and intensity. When temperatures are high, our heart and circulation have to work hard in order to protect our body from overheating. In order not to overstrain it, we should listen to our body and exercise less intensively when temperatures are 30 degrees or even higher. It is really important as well to take into account that we are sweating far more under these conditions – we do not only lose water, but also important electrolytes. In order to counteract and balance these losses, a targeted intake of several minerals is recommended. Magnesium supports the balance of our electrolytes, whereas potassium and calcium can contribute to normal muscle function.
Your ideal sport also depends on your personality. But what type of athlete are you? And which micronutrients could support you in your sports sessions?
Every summer, this turns out to be a recurring problem: Many women suffer from heavy legs during the hot months due to summer heat. This heat causes a loss in fluids and slows down blood and lymph, which results in heavy, swollen legs or shoes that become too tight, although they used to be the perfect size. Sitting down for a longer amount of time is another “evil” for your legs. When it is hot in your office, get up regularly and walk a few steps. Additionally, drinking a sufficient amount of water is essential and should not be underestimated.
Tomato extract contributes to blood flow and thus supports blood circulation. This positive effect sets in at an intake of 150 mg of tomato extract and has even been confirmed and approved by the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority).
