Tip of the Week

Cut The Grease, Save Your Skin

Not that you need another reason to skimp on the bacon drippings and biscuits, but it seems that cutting back on greasy foods may help you stave off skin cancer.

Research has shown that too much of the wrong kind of fat might hasten skin cancer.  In one study, skin cancer patients who cut their fat consumption to about 20 percent of their daily calorie intake developed significantly fewer pre-cancerous lesions after two years than those who continued to consume more greasy foods.  Researchers believe the harm comes from hormone-like substances called prostaglandins--produced when the body breaks down fats--which cause free radical damage.

If you have a family history of skin cancer or if you've had a lot of sun exposure, scale back on animal fats, hydrogenated fats such as those in many margarines, and the omega-6 fatty acids found in safflower and sunflower oils.

Fats that have gone rancid are more likely to trigger harmful prostaglandins, so clean out your cabinets regularly.  But don't make the mistake of trying to eliminate fat from your diet.  Omega-3s, a type of fat found in many fish, promote "good" prostaglandins that actually inhibit inflammation and are thought to have rejuvenating effects on the skin.  Get what you need by eating salmon, tuna, or sardines at least twice per week, or by pouring a tablespoonful of flaxseed oil over salads or steamed veggies a few times per week.

                                                                          Back to Tips Page

Locally owned and operated by Les & Maxine Wolff
© 1999-2000 Wolff Drug & Variety -- All rights reserved.

This site designed and maintained by Jan at Wolff Drug