Topic: Health

A new study shows that eating grapes daily can improve skin health by increasing resistance to UV radiation. The researchers found that grape consumption changed gene expression in the skin, leading to stronger defenses and reduced oxidative stress.

Eating grapes daily can be good for your skin, according to a recent study. Researchers from Western New England University and Oregon State University studied how eating grapes affects our skin's response to UV radiation. They found that grape consumption can improve skin health by increasing its resistance to UV radiation in around 30% to 50% of people.

The researchers asked volunteers to eat the equivalent of three servings of whole grapes every day for two weeks. Then, they analyzed the genes in their skin before and after eating grapes, both with and without exposure to low doses of UV radiation.

The study showed that grape consumption changed gene expression in the skin, leading to stronger defenses against environmental damage. The researchers also found that grape consumption reduced oxidative stress in the skin, which can cause damage to our cells.

John Pezzuto, a professor at Western New England University, said that grapes act as a 'superfood' and mediate a nutrigenomic response in humans. This means that grape consumption affects gene expression not just in the skin but also in other parts of our body, such as the liver, muscle, kidney, and even brain.

The research was funded by the California Table Grape Commission and published in the journal ACS Nutrition Science.

Why It Matters

This study is important because it shows that eating grapes daily can have a positive impact on our skin health. As we spend more time outdoors, protecting our skin from UV radiation becomes crucial. This study provides evidence-based information on how to improve our skin's resistance to UV radiation through dietary changes.

Key Facts

• Eating grapes daily can improve skin health by increasing its resistance to UV radiation in around 30% to 50% of people.
• Grape consumption changed gene expression in the skin, leading to stronger defenses against environmental damage.
• Grape consumption reduced oxidative stress in the skin, which can cause damage to our cells.
• The study was funded by the California Table Grape Commission and published in the journal ACS Nutrition Science.
• Researchers found that grape consumption affects gene expression not just in the skin but also in other parts of our body.

Key Terms

UV radiation

A type of electromagnetic radiation from the sun that can cause damage to our skin.

Implications

This study is important because it shows that eating grapes daily can have a positive impact on our skin health. As we spend more time outdoors, protecting our skin from UV radiation becomes crucial. This study provides evidence-based information on how to improve our skin's resistance to UV radiation through dietary changes.