Regular consumption of grapes may enhance skin protection against UV damage by altering gene behavior, according to a recent study published in ACS Nutrition Science.
Eating grapes may offer more than just a healthy snack; it could provide a natural defense against sun damage. A study published in the journal ACS Nutrition Science indicates that regular consumption of grapes can influence gene behavior, enhancing the skin’s protective mechanisms against ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Led by researchers at Western New England University, the study explored how grapes could trigger changes in DNA. Participants began with a two-week restricted diet to cleanse their systems, followed by two weeks during which they consumed the equivalent of three daily servings of whole grapes, provided in a concentrated, freeze-dried powder form.
Skin samples were collected from the volunteers both before and after the grape diet. These samples were tested under normal conditions and after exposure to low doses of UV light. Initially, each participant exhibited distinct patterns of gene activity, but these patterns changed significantly after consuming grapes, particularly when combined with UV exposure.
Typically, when skin is exposed to UV rays, it produces a chemical called malondialdehyde, which serves as a marker for cellular damage. The study found that after consuming grapes, participants exhibited significantly lower levels of this harmful chemical.
“We are now certain that grapes act as a superfood and mediate a nutrigenomic response in humans,” said John Pezzuto, PhD, professor and dean of the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at Western New England University. “We observed this with the largest organ of the body, the skin. The changes in gene expression indicated improvements in skin health.”
Pezzuto also suggested that the benefits of grape consumption likely extend beyond skin health. “Beyond skin, it is nearly certain that grape consumption affects gene expression in other somatic tissues of the body, such as the liver, muscles, kidneys, and even the brain,” he added.
Despite these promising findings, the study has notable limitations. The sample size was very small, with usable RNA sequencing data obtained from only four female participants. Additionally, all four women shared similar skin types and backgrounds, raising questions about the applicability of the genetic findings to a broader, more diverse population.
The researchers emphasized that while grape consumption may offer some protective benefits, it should not replace traditional sun protection methods, such as sunscreen and sun-safe habits. The study relied on a concentrated grape powder rather than occasional snacking, which may not yield the same results.
As the research continues, it highlights the potential of dietary choices in influencing genetic responses and promoting overall health. Regular grape consumption may be a simple addition to a healthy lifestyle that could yield significant benefits, particularly for skin health.
For more information, refer to the study published in ACS Nutrition Science.