Want to avoid painful and unsightly sunburn this summer? Drink more wine.
A new Spanish study has found that white and red wine may protect skin cells from ultra-violet radiation.
Related: Eight cancer-fighting vegetables to improve your health
Researchers from the University of Barcelona and the Spanish National Research Council reported that flavonoids found in grapes halt the chemical reaction that causes sun damage in skin cells.
The study, which was published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, found that the grape flavonoids decreased the body’s production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which oxidises lipids and DNA molecules releasing enzymes that kill skin cells.
When grape flavonoids are present, less ROS is produced, resulting in less oxidisation and fewer skin-killing enzymes.
Study leader Marta Cascante said she hoped her team’s findings would be used to create better sun-protecting products.
Wine has previously been proven to help ward off Alzheimer’s, prevent prostate cancer, assist weight management, improve heart health and prevent cavities.
Video: Guilt-free wine
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