5 healthy foods that actually help you get a tan

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are one of the most versatile veggies. From fries to pies, sweet potatoes can be used for almost anything in the kitchen. But did you know they can also be used to tan your skin? Sweet potatoes have the highest levels of carotenoids compared to all other vegetables, the nutrient responsible for that natural tan effect.

And if this isn’t enough to make your heart throb, sweet potatoes are also rich in vitamin B6 and potassium, which are important for boosting heart health.

Kale

By this point, you’ve probably been told a million times that kale is one of the most nutrient dense greens out there and that it has crazy good benefits for your whole body. While we’ll spare you the extensive list, there is one lesser-known advantage of kale that relates to how you look. Kale also has high levels of carotenoids that enhance skin tone.

Carrots

Carrots have always been known for altering skin color but they won’t turn you orange, contrary to popular belief. Instead, their high levels of carotenoids will give you that perfect, sun-kissed glow that everyone is after. They also have loads of vitamin A, which can improve eyesight and protect your skin from sun damage.

Broccoli

Citrus fruits aren’t the only place you can get your daily dose of vitamin C. Did you know that one cup of broccoli has more than double the amount of vitamin C than one whole lemon? Vitamin C is important for protecting against immune deficiencies as well as boosting collagen production which helps the body to heal wounds quickly. So, the combination of carotenoids and vitamin C in broccoli can both improve the color and function of your skin, making this veggie another way to help you appear kissed by the sun.

Spinach

Spinach is that leafy green that probably made your face scrunch up as a child—but we have a feeling you’ll be eating it by the handful when you hear about its skin-tinting effects. Spinach is rich in those tan-producing carotenoids while also packing heaps of vitamin K into its leaves. Vitamin K regulates blood clotting in veins and arteries as well as promoting bone health.