NPR: Broccoli Extract May Help Repair Sun Damage to Skin

Broccoli Extract May Help Repair Sun Damage to Skin

Sondra Paulson/iStockphoto

In the future, if you get a sunburn, you might be reaching right past the aloe vera gel and rubbing on some broccoli.

That's right. Scientists say early test results show that chemicals in broccoli extracts may significantly reduce the redness and inflammation caused by lingering too long in the sun. Reducing that damage could in turn decrease the risk of skin cancer. But, as usual, more tests are necessary.

I like broccoli, so the idea of rubbing it on my skin is not all that gross. I guess. But my kids don't seem to like it. My oldest daughter made a face when I told her about it. My 11-year-old son wrinkled his brow and said, "Is this just some weird way to get us to eat more vegetables?"

5:35 PM ET | 10-23-2007 | permalink

Comments (Send a comment)

Another solution is Lavendula angustifolia, known as Lavender Essential Oil. A few drops 'neat' (undiluted) gently smoothed on the red sunburned skin relieves the pain and burning immediately! Lavender grown in higher altitudes are higher in esthers, and will reduce inflammation and combat pain most rapidly.

Sent by Karen Kowal | 9:11 PM ET | 10-23-2007

I hope the science & scientist are right, I know alot about oatmeal, & how they put it in soap, can take a bath w/it for the skin. My point is, the kids answers are( i am not sure)young answers. Actors use vegetables & fruit on there face all the time for beauty.

Sent by Brian H Burgess | 10:42 PM ET | 10-23-2007

I had never heard of broccoli. Try cucumber and then plain yougurt. Yougurt will heal you in a minute.

Sent by Alex- Astronomer with a cosmic glow | 9:23 AM ET | 10-24-2007

Broccoli definitely works! Slight subject change, but I use umbrellas as prevention. You learn your lesson eventually, and as a 21 year old I can tell ya, umbrellas are "cool" because they aren't yet.

Sent by Trevor | 10:56 AM ET | 10-24-2007

Balanced and moderate diet is the only solution. Even too much of Broccoli can have an adverse effect. I wish we know that one tea spoon of Sugar crystals constitutes how many sugar canes!. I wish we know the labour involved behind one piece of bread. Eating a chicken leg is now easier but raising a chicken needs lots of labour and efforts (old memories!!).

anser azim

Sent by anser azim | 3:51 PM ET | 10-24-2007

thats pretty funny, actually.
my family has a history of skin cancer so i guess i should get the word out "grind it up and rub it on!!" doesn't sound very popular though

Sent by inzone | 10:57 AM ET | 10-25-2007

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