Despite the fact that the evidence continues to mount in favour of sensible sun exposure, many health authorities continue to stubbornly cling to the misguided advice of sunlight restriction.

They claim that the risks of sunbathing far outweigh the health benefits when it comes to skin cancer.

But what they can't explain is the paradoxical problem of the general public using more sunscreen than ever and spending more time indoors, yet skin cancer rates continue to climb.

One area that is often ignored in the sunlight/skin cancer debate may prove to be the most crucial element in terms of cause and effect - and that is nutrition.

Protection From the Inside Out

The typical western diet is filled with processed foods that are not only stripped of their original nutrients, but also loaded with unhealthy fats, sugars, refined salt, preservatives and chemical additives.

Nutritional deficiency combined with exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays creates a massive amount of free radicals in the skin.  These free radicals can damage your body's cells and are implicated in a variety of diseases such as heart disease, cancer and accelerated skin aging.

However, eliminating processed junk foods, in favour of fresh whole foods rich in antioxidants such as fruits and vegetables can prevent much of this free radical damage.

Another poor dietary choice that is linked to increased cancer risk is the over consumption of "bad fats". Since the mid 20th century, fat has been demonized by many health authorities and the mainstream media as the source of society's ills.

It's true that the over consumption of fat can contribute to a variety of diseases such as cancer, heart disease, strokes and diabetes. Unfortunately, there has been a consistent failure by many health authorities to make the distinction between good and bad fats.

This is important when it comes to sun exposure because it's the bad fats such as those found in hydrogenated vegetable oils (soy, cotton seed, corn, margarine etc.) that can react in volatile ways with ultraviolet rays.

Conversely it's the healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids and monounsaturated fats that may serve to protect your skin from sun damage.

Some excellent sources of good fats are:

• Wild Salmon
• Walnuts
• Extra virgin coconut oil
• Flax seed oil
• Organic butter
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Sardines
• Cod liver oil / Fish oil
• Ghee
• Avocado

When incorporating these good fats into your eating habits, keep in mind that you can get too much of a good thing.  A general role of thumb for fat consumption is no more than 30 percent of your daily caloric intake.

Of course this figure will vary depending on your own biochemical individuality – the unique rate at which you utilize nutrients based on your genetic makeup – as well as your level of daily activity.

In part 3 we will discuss the benefits of sunlight on mood and the proper way to sunbathe.