SouthernWorldwide.com – The humble grape might offer more than just a healthy snack, with new research suggesting it could play a role in protecting your skin from the sun’s damaging rays.
A study published in the journal ACS Nutrition Science indicates that consistent grape consumption can influence gene activity, thereby enhancing the skin’s natural defense mechanisms against sun damage.
Scientists from Western New England University led the research, which explored how grapes might induce changes within our DNA.
The study involved a group of volunteers who initially followed a restrictive diet for two weeks to cleanse their systems, as detailed in a press release.
Following this period, the participants consumed the equivalent of three daily servings of whole grapes, presented in a concentrated, freeze-dried powder form, for the subsequent two weeks.
Researchers collected small skin samples from the volunteers before and after the grape consumption period. These samples were then tested under both normal conditions and after exposure to low levels of ultraviolet (UV) light.
At the outset of the study, each participant exhibited a unique pattern of gene activity. However, these patterns showed notable shifts after grape consumption, after UV light exposure, and when the grape intake was combined with UV exposure.
While each individual’s genetic responses varied, the consumption of grapes led to changes in gene expression across all participants.
When skin is exposed to UV rays, it typically produces a chemical known as malondialdehyde, which serves as an indicator of cellular damage. The study revealed that after consuming grapes, volunteers showed a significantly reduced level of this damaging chemical.
“We are now certain that grapes act as a superfood and mediate a nutrigenomic response in humans,” stated John Pezzuto, PhD, professor and dean of the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at Western New England University, in the press release.
“We observed this with the largest organ of the body, the skin. The changes in gene expression indicated improvements in skin health.”
Pezzuto further suggested that the benefits of grape consumption likely extend beyond the skin.
“Beyond skin, it is nearly certain that grape consumption affects gene expression in other somatic tissues of the body, such as the liver, muscles, kidney and even brain,” he commented.
The researchers did highlight a significant limitation of the study: its very small sample size. Usable, complete RNA sequencing data was successfully obtained from only four female participants.
Furthermore, these four women shared similar skin types and backgrounds. This means that the genetic findings might not be generalizable to a broader and more diverse population.
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The research team also emphasized that regular grape consumption should not be seen as a substitute for traditional sunscreen or sun-safe practices. Additionally, the study utilized a highly concentrated grape powder, which differs from casual, occasional snacking.
