Home Health & Life 9 Vegetables and Fruits That Are Nutritious but Can Cause Skin Discoloration...

Health & Life

9 Vegetables and Fruits That Are Nutritious but Can Cause Skin Discoloration If Consumed Incorrectly

13 May, 2025

Sun protection is a top priority for many, especially during the scorching summer days. While sunscreen, protective clothing, and hats are essential, did you know that your diet can also play a role in sun sensitivity?

Certain fruits and vegetables can contribute to sun protection from within. However, some may increase photosensitivity, making your skin more susceptible to sun damage. This doesn’t mean that consuming these foods will tan your skin; it simply requires mindful timing and consumption to ensure healthy, sun-safe skin.

Mangoes

Mangoes are a beloved tropical fruit, packed with essential nutrients like vitamins A, C, and beta-cryptoxanthin. However, mangoes can increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. It’s best to enjoy this fruit in the evening to minimize sun exposure afterward. Additionally, mangoes contain plant compounds that aid in repairing lost neural compounds in the body, promoting better sleep quality.

Papayas

Papayas are versatile; they can be consumed both raw and ripe. Green papayas are often used in salads, while ripe papayas are enjoyed fresh or blended into smoothies. This fruit is rich in vitamins A, C, beta-carotene, and potassium, offering potent antioxidant properties. The high fiber content in papayas also supports healthy digestion and prevents constipation. However, papayas contain high pigment levels and can lead to carotene xanthesia, causing skin yellowing. Enjoy papayas in moderation and avoid consuming them daily.

Lemons

Lemons are a familiar citrus fruit, often used to make refreshing drinks and a great source of vitamin C. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that boosts immunity and promotes skin whitening. However, lemons can also increase sun sensitivity, so ensure you adequately protect your skin after using lemon-based products.

Indian Jujube

Indian jujube, or “sung” in Vietnamese, is rich in antioxidants, combating free radicals and supporting cardiovascular health. This fruit is also abundant in potassium, beneficial for maintaining healthy blood pressure. However, Indian jujubes can increase skin sensitivity to UV rays. After consuming this fruit, minimize sun exposure, and if you must go out, apply sunscreen and cover your skin adequately.

Seaweed

Seaweed is a nutrient-dense food, containing iodine, selenium, calcium, iron, and cobalt. It’s low in calories, fat, and rich in fiber, aiding digestion. However, seaweed can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight. After consuming seaweed, it’s best to avoid immediate sun exposure.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a popular choice for many due to their flavor and versatility in various dishes, including weight loss and maintenance diets. The high fiber content aids digestion, reduces constipation, and enhances the body’s metabolism. Sweet potatoes are also rich in potassium, magnesium, and other minerals that help regulate blood pressure and reduce edema. Additionally, they contain carotene and vitamin C, offering antioxidant benefits. However, sweet potatoes contain copper and other minerals that can increase melanin production, so be mindful of sun protection after consuming them.

Celery

Celery is commonly used for juicing and weight loss, as it promotes digestion and elimination. It helps reduce edema and lower blood pressure. This vegetable is also a great source of vitamins A, C, K, and fiber. However, celery contains high levels of potassium, sodium, magnesium, and other metal elements that can increase sun sensitivity. After consuming celery, minimize direct sun exposure and ensure adequate sun protection with sunscreen and protective clothing.

Carrots

Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which inhibits melanin production. However, excessive carrot consumption (and similar orange-colored foods) can lead to skin discoloration, giving it a slight yellow hue. If you notice this, discontinue carrot intake for a while, and the pigments will naturally fade, returning your skin to its normal tone.

Leeks

Leeks contain volatile oils that stimulate appetite and inhibit harmful bacterial activity. They are also a good source of fiber, beneficial for digestion, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, and preventing atherosclerosis. However, leeks can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight. The compounds in leeks intensify melanocyte activity, so ensure proper sun protection to avoid increased skin pigmentation.

When consuming these sun-sensitive fruits and vegetables, moderation is key. It’s best to minimize direct sun exposure after eating them and always practice sun protection when outdoors, including sunscreen application and protective clothing.