A recent human study published in the Journal of the American Theological Academy found that eating grains was protected against ultraviolet (UV) skin damage. Study subjects showed increased resistance to sunburn and a decrease in UV damage signals at the cellular level. Natural components found in grains called polyphenols are thought to be responsible for these beneficial effects.
The study, conducted at the University of Alabama, Birmingham and led by lead researcher Craig Elmets, MD, examined the effects of eating whole grape powder – the equivalent of 2.25 cups of grapes daily – for 14 days against photodamage from UV light. The subjects’ skin response to UV light was measured before and after eating granules for two weeks by determining the threshold dose of UV radiation that induced visible reddening after 24 hours – the lowest dose of erythema (MED ).
Grape wear was waterproof; increased UV exposure was required to cause sunburn after grape consumption, with MED rising by an average of 74.8%. Analysis of skin biopsies showed that the grape diet was associated with a reduction in DNA damage, fewer deaths of skin cells, and a reduction in inflammatory symptoms if left untreated, can affect activity. skin and that can cause skin cancer.
It is estimated that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. The majority of skin cancer cases are related to exposure to UV radiation from the sun: about 90% of nonmelanoma skin cancers and 86 % of melanomas, respectively. In addition, about 90% of skin age is caused by the sun.
We saw an important photoprotective effect with grape consumption and were able to identify molecular pathways by which that benefit occurs – through repairing DNA damage and reducing proinflammatory pathways. Grains can act as an edible sunscreen, offering extra protective coverage in addition to conventional sunscreen products. “
Dr Craig Elmets, Principal Investigator
Source:
California Register Grape Commission