Grapes protect against UV-radiation

When the skin is exposed to UV radiation, so-called photooxidative stress and inflammation form in the skin (learn about free radicals and oxidative stress here). A new study shows that substances in grapes can protect against this type of acute damage to the skin caused by the sun’s harmful UV radiation.

Grapes, as well as other fruits and vegetables, contain polyphenols of the variety pro-anthocyanidins and resveratrol, various types of so-called phytonutrients.

The word phyto means plant and phytonutrients are substances found in different types of vegetables, berries and fruits. These phytonutrients give the plants their color and taste. They often have properties that promote health, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and in some cases even anticancer properties.

In the study, 19 adults ate a freeze-dried grape powder for 14 days. After the end of the study, their natural sun protection had increased by almost 75 percent compared to before the start of the study. It was also seen reduced levels of a protein that stimulates inflammation and that it protected against DNA damage.

According to the researchers, this is the first study that shows that consuming grapes via the diet can protect the skin from harmful UV radiation.

Source: Journal of the American Association of Dermatology, January 2021