Summer Art Magic: RedWe may often think of the color red and it’s association with the summer

Summer Art Magic: RedWe may often think of the color red and it’s association with the summer season in our magical workings. It’s very fiery and energetic and feels right at home in this high intensity season. Along with it’s inherent power to motivate us, increase our confidence, and stimulate our passionate side; the color red may also be able to help protect us from sunburns and skin damage this summer!Red produce often get their color from the antioxidant lycopene which can help reduce our susceptibility to sunburns. Here are some red foods you can work into your kitchen magic or Litha meals to draw on the power of RED this season! TOMATOResearchers at the University of Manchester found that tomato consumption resulted in skin that was 33 percent more protected from sun exposure. The lycopene giving the fruit it’s red color also neutralizes harmful molecules produced in skin exposed to the sun’s ultra-violet rays. Damage inflicted by the free radical molecules on skin structures and DNA can lead to premature ageing and skin cancer so eating more tomatoes also keeps your skin looking young and beautiful! Research showed that cooked tomatoes were higher in lycopene than raw tomatoes and tomato paste is chalk full of the good stuff. So, next time you feel like a pizza night this summer, know that it’s actually helping your skin! 31 Delicious Summer Tomato Recipes WATERMELONWatermelon typically contains about 40 percent more lycopene than raw tomato! This antioxidant also absorbs both UVA and UVB radiation. It may take a few weeks to build up enough in your diet to notice significant solar protection benefits, but who doesn’t want refreshing watermelon on a hot summer day!Here’s a fun Watermelon Salsa Recipe you can try!BELL PEPPERS A study in the Photochemical and Photobiology journal found that beta-carotene—a plant pigment and precursor to vitamin A—provides protection against sunburn. And sweet red peppers are a stellar source of beta-carotene, clocking in at 42,891 micrograms per 100 grams (or about 3.5 ounces)! Add some of this red magic to your Litha celebration this year with some of these delicious recipes! 45 Favorite Bell Pepper RecipesOf course you should still make sure to wear sunscreen and take other practical measures to protect your skin this summer. If you want to learn more about the science behind these powerful red foods, please check out the links to the studies below. Stay hydrated and safe this summer, Love and Light - LUMITomato StudyWatermelon StudyBell Pepper Study -- source link

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