Grapes and broccoli as vegetal sun protectors

The dust has sort of settled and I’m able to return to blogging although it maybe less frequent for a beginning. Thanks everyone who left or sent me messages of concern! I’m fine; just a little tired. So for a start, let me share a short post regarding how scientists have found that there are compounds in grapes that could protect the skin against the sun and could be used in sunscreen and sun protection products.

Grapes protect skin cells from UV radiation
Grape extract is typically used in anti-aging products for its antioxidant powers. However, a study by researchers from the University of Barcelona and the CSIC (Spanish National Research Council) has indicated that some compounds found in grapes help to protect skin cells from the sun’s ultraviolet radiation.

They can reduce the formation of ‘reactive oxygen species’ (ROSs) in human epidermis cells that have been exposed to long-wave (UVA) and medium-wave (UVB) ultraviolet radiation. In turn, this can reduce the amount of cell damage caused in skin exposed to this radiation. In other words, grape may reduce or prevent sunburn as well as longer term cellular damage. (source)

Broccoli reduce UV damage by 37%
Besides grapes, a study by Dr. Paul Talalay of Johns Hopkins University emerged some years back that broccoli was found to reduce UV damage by 37%. More specifically, the extract derived from newly sprouted broccoli seeds reduced skin redness and damage by more than one-third compared with untreated skin. The extract already has been shown to help skin cells fight UV damage in mice. (source)

Topical usage and ingesting for the benefits
The studies all seem to indicate that topical application of the extracts have more effect in helping to fortify skin cells to fight the effects of UV radiation. This is because these extract help boost the production of protective enzymes that defend against UV-related damage. The Marie Veronique Organics Sun Protective oil contain broccoli seed oil. I might have used products containing grape extracts in the past but I can’t remember what were they now. However, I believe that eating grapes and broccoli will also help to boost the UV defense from within. I don’t eat much broccoli but I’ve been loading up on at least a cup or two of grapes on a daily basis.

What about you? Do you eat any of these frequently? Or are you using any products containing these extracts?

Comments

  1. MsBeautyBuff says:

    Great to see another interesting post!

    Does grapeseed extract supplement provide similar benefits?

    I love broccolis, more than cauliflower! Haha…
    MsBeautyBuff last post is: Garden of Wisdom Spree #7 (closed)

  2. Carrie says:

    I eat brocolli from time to time, and loves grape yet NZ does not grow its own (except for wine uses) and hence the grapes we have here are all imported from the U.S. I am the type of person that prefers to eat fruts/veges in season and grown natively, so not that keen on grapes at the moment. I wonder if consuming grade seed oil would do the trick??? I have loads at home ?

  3. karen says:

    wow… lucky i like to eat broccoli.i didn’t noe it have such benefits.

    recently i read in (cannot remember which one)magazine, drinking drinks that contain lemon n lime will more prone to sunburn, rashes etc.

    so now must start to eat more brocoli n reduce on the lemon intake. ?

  4. sesame says:

    It does…especially when applied on the skin.

  5. sesame says:

    Consuming them should help but it appears that topical application might be better in some cases.

  6. sesame says:

    Broccoli is great for a host of health benefits . Oh, drinking drinks with lemon and lime will make one more photosensitive? I think it might be true cos applying products with such ingredients definitely increase the photosensitivity. Eating or drinking would definitely affect too.

  7. Soos says:

    I ate more broccoli and cauliflower when I wasn’t working. Not a grape eater. But Caudalie has some nice products that are grape-derived. I like their lip balm (pricey) and Cabernet and Merlot body scrubs.
    Soos last post is: Dragon and other Exotic Tropical Fruit

  8. sesame says:

    Oh yes, now that you mentioned, Caudalie has grape-derived products. We have the brand here but I haven’t tried it. Might give their eye cream a go next time.

  9. Vonvon says:

    Broccoli and grapes are some of my favourite food!
    Vonvon last post is: Photos: Sleek Makeup Caribbean Collection Aruba Blush On Cheek

  10. sesame says:

    That’s great!

  11. Lydia says:

    I love grapes but at the same time I fear pesticide residues that’s why I don’t buy grapes as often as I would like to.

  12. Chris says:

    I love grapes, but broccoli…not so much. However your post reminded me that it has many benefits and I really should try to incorporate it into my meals more often. Thank you for posting this!
    Chris last post is: MAC Jealousy Wakes Giveaway!- For International Readers Only

  13. sesame says:

    You’re welcome Chris. I’m not fond of broccoli myself but will eat some when they’re presented to me. ?

  14. sesame says:

    Oh yes, that’s a valid concern. I just soak them in water…and not think too much when I pop them into my mouth.

  15. Smartypanties says:

    Wow! Glad to know that Broc is one of my fave foods!
    Smartypanties last post is: Vivienne Tam Sample Sale

  16. sahiba says:

    Hi there, nice blog – just wanted to acknowledge that with a comment
    sahiba last post is: Conventional Indian Outfit Saree Beautify feminine Structure

  17. Thristhan says:

    Wow, didnt know about that. Do we just eat them for it to work or apply some sort of extract of it on our skin?
    Thristhan last post is: Coffee Connexion SS22, Damansara Jaya

  18. sesame says:

    Both are good…eating and using products with such extracts.

  19. sesame says:

    Thank you.

  20. sesame says:

    That’s definitely a plus!

  21. Janett Brown says:

    Using natural food like grapes is better than using chemical products like sunscreens which may have second effects on our skins in the long run.
    Thank you so much for sharing this.
    Janett Brown last post is: Planning for Retirement Activities

  22. sesame says:

    It’ll be good if we can have more natural selection for sure…

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