A new study by researchers at the University of Barcelona indicates that a flavonoid compound found in wine may lessen the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation on human skin.
Wine, especially resveratrol found in red wine, has been known to have some effect in protecting against ageing, cancer and Alzheimer’s Disease, but this has been the first time that a study has been done about sun damage.
The study, published in The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, found that flavonoids in grapes stop chemical reactions that kill skin cells and cause sun damage. Flavonoids may in future be used to improve sun protection agents like sunscreen creams and lotions.
The research is of significance to South Africa, which is one of the countries with the highest ultraviolet indexes in the world.