SouthernWorldwide.com – The everyday fruit we know and love may offer more than just a healthy snack option.
Recent research published in the journal ACS Nutrition Science indicates that consuming grapes regularly can influence gene behavior, thereby enhancing the skin’s natural defense mechanisms against sun damage.
This study, conducted by scientists at Western New England University, suggests that grapes might be capable of inducing changes within our DNA.
EATING A COMMON VITAMIN-C PACKED FRUIT MIGHT TOTALLY TRANSFORM SKIN, STUDY FINDS
The research involved a group of volunteers who initially adhered to a restrictive diet for two weeks. This initial phase was designed to cleanse their systems, as explained in a press release.
Following this, for the subsequent two weeks, the participants consumed the equivalent of three daily servings of whole grapes. This was administered in the form of a concentrated, freeze-dried powder.
Scientists collected small skin samples from the volunteers both before and after the grape consumption period. These samples were then tested under standard conditions and after exposure to low levels of ultraviolet (UV) light, simulating sunlight.
At the outset of the study, each volunteer exhibited a unique pattern of gene activity. However, these patterns showed significant shifts after the grape consumption, after UV light exposure, and when grape consumption was combined with UV exposure.
SUNLIGHT EXPOSURE CAN POSE LIFE-CHANGING HEALTH BENEFITS, EXPERT SAYS
While individual genetic responses varied, the consumption of grapes demonstrably altered gene expression across all participants.
Typically, when skin is exposed to UV rays, it produces a chemical known as malondialdehyde. This compound serves as an indicator of cellular damage. The study revealed that after consuming grapes, the volunteers produced significantly less of this damaging chemical.
Read more : 3M Faces $1.4 Billion Lawsuit from Australia Over "Forever Chemicals" at Defense Sites
“We are now certain that grapes act as a superfood and mediate a nutrigenomic response in humans,” stated John Pezzuto, PhD, a professor and dean at 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.”
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES
Dr. Pezzuto also 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.
A notable limitation of this study is its very small sample size. The researchers reported that usable, complete RNA sequencing data was successfully obtained from only four female participants.
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
Furthermore, all four of these women shared very similar skin types and backgrounds. This means that the genetic findings may not be generalizable to a broader, more diverse population.
The researchers also stressed that consistent grape consumption should not be considered a substitute for traditional sun protection methods, such as sunscreen or sun-safe behaviors. The study utilized a highly concentrated grape powder, not casual snacking on fresh grapes.
