One of the functions of melanin in the human body is to protect us from UVB and UVA rays. For this, it absorbs them when they contact our skin. When it interests them, melanin production is activated, which by increasing its quantity protects us. Consequently, the skin darkens, hence the tan when the sun touches us, and that depending on the melanin levels, people are more brown or pale. Melanin, which is a pigment, is what gives us the color of our skin, hair, or eyes.
But not only do the sun’s rays increase its production at our disposal, but we also have foods that activate melanin and help us protect ourselves from the sun and tan more quickly.
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Foods that activate melanin: carrot
The carrot root, especially the cultivated carrot, has a high beta-carotene content. This nutrient is responsible for giving it its characteristic orange color. When it is assimilated into the body, it becomes vitamin A. Beta-carotene is an excellent antioxidant that protects our body against the action of free radicals. It prevents degenerative diseases, such as some types of cancer and heart disease [1].
But in the subject we are dealing with, what interests us about the carrot is that consumed regularly activates the production of melanin in the skin, protecting us from UVA radiation. With this in mind, it is not surprising that many tanning lotions are created from carrot extract.
The best way to consume carrot root is raw or cooked, although it can also be made in the form of juice.
Eat tomato for lack of melanin.
We have already commented on the action of beta-carotene in our body, so we cannot fail to mention another food rich in beta-carotene; the tomato. Its composition is similar to that of carrots, so many of the effects of carrots can also be applied to this popular fruit. But, in addition, the tomato is rich in lycopene, another antioxidant that, consumed together with beta-carotenes, enhances the latter’s absorption.
The best way to consume tomato is raw, for example, with a salad. But it can also be used by applying it directly to the skin :
- I cut the tomato into slices and applied it to the skin’s surface.
- By emptying the pulp of the tomato and mixing it with a small stream of milk and a little honey, you can create a homemade tomato mask.
In the following FastlyHealarticle, we will talk to you about the properties of tomatoes for the skin.
Foods that activate skin melanin: melon
So far, we have been talking about beta-carotene and vitamin A. However, these are not the only elements that activate the melanin in the skin; vitamin E also has an actual performance. This vitamin fulfills different roles in our body, such as lowering LDL cholesterol, boosting the immune system, or enhancing the creation of collagen.
But what interests us in this article is its role in activating melanin production. Since melon is one of the foods with a high content of both vitamin A and vitamin E, it is one of the best foods to increase melanin production, with antioxidant properties that fight against cellular aging.
Increase melanin with egg yolk
Continuing with vitamin E, egg yolk is another product that can help us activate the melanin in our body since it contains a large proportion of vitamin E. And we are talking about the yolk, and not the whole egg because precisely It is in this part of the egg where most of this vitamin is concentrated.
The egg yolk is especially recommended to prevent the appearance of gray hair since it enhances the production of melanin, prevents the hair from losing color, and helps the production of hemoglobin. Hence, it benefits that oxygen reaches the Hair follicles.
Dairy for lack of melanin
Dairy products are another food group from which we can obtain vitamin A, so we must include ourselves in our diet when increasing the melanin in our body. But in addition to vitamin A, dairy products also have an excellent composition of cysteine and tyrosine, two essential amino acids essential for the body to produce melanin.
But these amino acids are not only present in cheese, yogurt, or milk. We can also obtain them from other products such as corn or rice.
Melanin supplements and capsules
If you maintain a balanced diet and consume the foods we have explained throughout this article, you likely do not need any supplement to activate melanin. However, if, despite this you need an extra dose, then we explain the supplements to increase melanin that you have at your disposal:
- L-Tyrosine is an amino acid precursor of hormones such as thyroid and melanin. Therefore, its intake in supplement form will activate melanin.
- Melanin capsules: in the market, we have the possibility of acquiring melanin capsules for the skin or the hair.
Beyond all this, you should be clear that if you take any of these supplements, you should first consult with a doctor to see if it is indicated for your case and, if it is, the type of dose that you can administer.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor if you present any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Foods that activate melanin, we recommend that you enter our Skin, hair, and nails category.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.