London: It's often said that drinking wine is good for your heart and provide other health benefits. Now, add one more to the list - it could protect you from sunburn, says a new study.
Researchers from the University of Barcelona and the Spanish National Research Council have carried out the study and found that grapes - the main ingredient of wine – contain a chemical, called flavonoids, which can limit cell damage.
The study, carried out in vitro in the laboratory, has been published in the latest edition of the 'Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry'.
In their study, the researchers looked at the chemical reaction in the skin when hit by UV rays from the sun. They found that flavonoids in the grapes can stop the chemical reaction that causes cells to die and therefore skin damage.
Marta Cascante, a biochemist at the University of Barcelona and director of the research project, said it proves grapes could help protect the skin from sun burn and even skin cancer.
She said that the research could help to develop skin creams and other products to protect skin from sun damage.
"This study supports the idea of using these products to protect the skin from cell damage and death caused by solar radiation, as well as increasing our understanding of the mechanism by which they act," 'The Daily Telegraph' quoted her as saying.
The study also adds to the popular image of healthy and tanned population of the Mediterranean, say the researchers.
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