Major grape polyphenols include the flavanols (catechin, epicatechin and proanthocyanidins), stilbene compounds (resveratrol) and ellagic acid. These constituents demonstrate anti-inflammatory and anti-neoplastic effects.

A prospective single-group, open-label, intervention study was carried out to examine whether dietary grape would prevent UV-induced photodamage in humans.

The participants were given a powder of freeze-dried grapes (75 g daily) to ingest for 14 days.

The results (74.8% increase in natural protection of the skin) indicate that oral consumption of grapes has systemic beneficial effects in healthy adults.

These benefits include inhibition of inflammation and repair of DNA damage.

In addition to consumption of the powder, the study also showed that the application of a topical extract made from a grape seed polyphenol, proanthocyanidin, can reduce sunburn cell formation.

Furthermore, preliminary results suggest that grapes may help to prevent skin cancers as well, although more studies need to be conducted in this area before drawing conclusions.

What do the Meditaranian and others cultures do when they go to the beach or spend a lot of time outdoors?

They eat plenty of fruits, including grapes!

Grape consumption may act as an ‘edible sunscreen’!