Daily Grape Consumption May Strengthen Skin’s Natural Defense Against Sun Damage

Researchers have found that eating grapes every day may help the skin better protect itself from ultraviolet (UV) radiation by influencing gene activity linked to skin health. The study suggests that grapes could reduce oxidative stress and improve the skin’s natural protective barrier after only two weeks of регулярного consumption.

Scientists from Western New England University discovered that participants who ate the equivalent of three servings of grapes daily showed noticeable changes in skin gene expression. The research revealed that grape consumption altered how genes responded both before and after exposure to low levels of UV radiation.

Although each volunteer demonstrated a unique genetic response, the researchers observed consistent biological effects across all participants. According to the study, grapes appeared to stimulate processes responsible for strengthening the skin’s outer protective layer, including keratinization and cornification.

The team also measured malondialdehyde levels, a marker associated with oxidative stress caused by UV exposure. Participants who consumed grapes had lower levels of this marker, indicating that their skin experienced less oxidative damage.

Lead researcher John Pezzuto, Dean of the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at Western New England University, said the findings support the idea that grapes function as a “superfood” capable of triggering beneficial nutrigenomic responses in the body. He added that similar genetic effects may also occur in organs such as the liver, muscles, kidneys, and brain.

The study was conducted in collaboration with Oregon State University and funded by the California Table Grape Commission.

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