By Franklin Delgado
A study from Western New England College, published in ACS Eating regimen Sciencesuggests that grapes may influence gene expression, providing an additional defense system to the skin against sun damage. The researchers observed significant changes in the DNA of the participants after consuming grapes.
The volunteers completed a restricted diet and then ingested a concentrated grape powder. Skin samples were analyzed under various conditions and it was found that eating grapes reduced levels of malondialdehyde, a marker of cell damage.
At the beginning of the study, cite the medium Fox News Digitaleach volunteer presented their own pattern of genetic activity. However, these patterns changed markedly after eating grapes, after being exposed to UV light, and when eating grapes was combined with UV light exposure.
Research implications
Dr. John Pezzuto, dean of the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at Western New England University and director of the study, notes that the benefits of grapes may extend beyond the skin, influencing other organs such as the liver and brain.
“We are now confident that grapes act as a superfood and mediate a nutrigenomic response in humans,” Pezzuto said in a press release.
“We observed this in the largest organ of the body, the skin. Changes in gene expression indicated improvements in skin health,” he added.
However, the research highlights that these results should not be considered a substitute for traditional sunscreens.
It had significant limitations, including a small sample size, as usable data was only obtained from four participants. Additionally, the researchers caution that these results may not be applicable to a more diverse population.
Effects of grapes compared to other superfoods
Grapes offer skin benefits similar to other superfoods, but with some mechanisms and emphases of their own: they stand out for their content of polyphenols (especially resveratrol) that act as antioxidants, anti-inflammatories and modulators of gene expression, and therefore provide protection against UV damage and help maintain the skin’s barrier and elasticity.
Comparison with other superfoods
- Berries (blueberries, raspberries): they share a high polyphenol content and powerful antioxidant capacity; They are usually especially rich in anthocyanins, useful for reducing localized inflammation and protecting skin microvasculature, but grapes provide resveratrol in a greater proportion, with additional effects on signaling pathways and gene expression.
- Nuts/seeds (walnuts, chia seeds): stand out for omega-3 fatty acids that improve hydration and reduce inflammation; Grapes do not provide as much omega-3, so they complement more with antioxidants than with protective lipids.
- Dark green vegetables (spinach, kale): provide vitamins (A, C, K), minerals and carotenoids that protect against photoaging and improve repair; Grapes complement this effect with polyphenols that modulate oxidative and genetic response more than with vitamins in high quantities.
- Green tea: both contain potent polyphenols with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects; Green tea provides catechins (EGCG) and grapes provide resveratrol and proanthocyanidins —the mechanisms are similar (neutralize radicals, modulate inflammation), but with different molecular profiles.
What this means for skin in practice
- Including grapes regularly can provide additional protection against environmental damage (especially UV) and support skin barrier integrity and firmness.
- For more complete benefits, it is best to combine grapes with other foods: sources of omega-3 (improve hydration), vitamin-rich vegetables (repair and total health) and green tea or berries (complementary antioxidants).
Practical recommendations
- Consume whole grapes as part of a varied diet rather than relying solely on supplements; The evidence comes from studies with dietary consumption.
- Continue using topical sunscreen: The edible photoprotective effects of grapes are complementary, not substitutes, for sunscreens.
- If you’re looking for specific effects (e.g., reducing inflammation in acne or improving wrinkles), combine them with foods rich in omega-3 and vitamin C, and consult with a dermatologist or nutritionist for personalized recommendations.
You may also be interested in:
· New research shows that the consumption of dairy products and calcium can prevent metabolic syndrome
· Ginger: an ally for digestive and cardiovascular health
· The cucumber and the secrets that science never stops revealing
