Grapes protect against skin cancer and premature ageing
A recent study has supported the use of grapes in sun protection products after they were found to have properties which could protect skin cells against ultraviolet rays (UV) and cancer.
It was discovered that polyphenolic substances called flavonoids in grapes tried to prevent a chemical reaction from occurring when the skin comes into contact with UV rays.
Researchers have therefore concluded that eating grapes could help to reduce the amount of damage UV rays causes to skin cells.
READ MORE FROM THE WDM CONTENT NETWORK:
To read the latest edition of Healthcare Global, click here
- Music plays a key role in beating depression
- ‘Lab in a chip’ card to revolutionise blood tests
- Low wage and poor diet speeds up ageing
This means grapes will also offer protection against skin cancer, sun burn and premature ageing, all of which are skin-related problems associated with UV exposure.
The results have been published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry and the authors have described them as “encouraging.”
The research team are now calling for the results of the study to be taken into account during the development of skin care products which utilise plant-based polyphonic extracts.
Marta Cascante, the director of the research, said: “This study supports the idea of using these products to protect the skin from cell damage and death caused by solar radiation, as well as increasing our understanding of the mechanism by which they act.”