Grapes are effective against ultraviolet radiation

• April 28, 2024

A study conducted by the scientists of the University of Barcelona and the Higher Council of Scientific Research of Spain (CSIC), revealed that the flavonoids that are extracted from grapes "Have" a protective effect on cells againstultraviolet radiation .

The Ultraviolet Rays (UV) of the sun, besides causing Burns on the skin and premature aging , are one of the main causes of skin cancer . However, this discovery could induce the development of new sunscreens that contain extracts of the grape.

The study, published in Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry (Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry), informs that work is carried out on the peel and seeds of the grape, with the purpose of obtaining an extract rich in antioxidants Y flavonoids .

In this regard, the leader of the research, the teacher Marta Cascante , said for the portal BBC Mundo that "the ultraviolet rays of the sun generate in the cells a process called oxidative stress with which the so-called Oxygen Reactive Species (ERO) are produced "

"These include free radicals and peroxides, the molecules that can trigger chemical reactions in the DNA and cause cell death or damage, what we saw in the laboratory is that the extract of the grape prevented the production of EROs."

Effects of solar radiation

Exposure to UV rays It is related to many conditions that are harmful to health, including:

1. Skin cancer . Most skin cancers appear after age 50, but the damage caused by the sun in the dermis starts much earlier

2. Premature aging . Sun exposure causes it, due to a condition called aging by sun action, which is different from chronological aging

3. Cataracts and other eye diseases . Excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays is one of the risk factors for cataracts. In fact, people who spend more time in the sun may develop cataracts earlier than others

4. Damage to the immune system . The ultraviolet radiation can alter the functions of the immune system . When UV radiation suppresses the immune response, the body's ability to fight certain diseases, including the Cancer , is reduced.

However, the components of grape apparently they will help reduce the risk of premature aging , skin cancer , etc.

What do you do to protect yourself from solar radiation?