A new study suggests that grapes may do more than provide a nutritious snack.

Researchers have found evidence that eating grapes could help the skin defend itself against damage from the sun.

The study, published in the journal ACS Nutrition Science, was led by a team at Western New England University.

The scientists reported that regular grape consumption appeared to influence how certain genes behave, strengthening the skin’s protective response against ultraviolet light.

Here's What They're Not Telling You About Your Retirement

Participants first followed a restricted diet for two weeks to reset their systems, according to the research team.

After that, for another two weeks, they consumed the equivalent of three servings of grapes per day, delivered in a freeze-dried powder form.

Before and after the grape regimen, researchers collected small skin samples. These samples were tested under both normal conditions and after controlled exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The aim was to observe changes in gene expression and markers of cellular stress.

Initially, each volunteer showed a distinct pattern of gene activity. However, those patterns shifted after the participants consumed grapes.

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

The shifts were seen both after natural UV exposure and when grape consumption was combined with UV tests.

Although genetic responses varied among individuals, every participant experienced a measurable change in how their genes responded.

The study’s authors noted that grape consumption reduced production of malondialdehyde, a chemical typically produced when skin cells sustain UV-related damage.

John Pezzuto, PhD, professor and dean at the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at Western New England University, said the results suggest that grapes may function as a “superfood.”

He explained that the fruit appeared to generate a “nutrigenomic response” that improved the condition of the skin.

“We observed this with the largest organ of the body, the skin,” Pezzuto said in a press release. “The changes in gene expression indicated improvements in skin health.”

He added that the potential benefits could extend beyond the skin.

“Beyond skin, it is nearly certain that grape consumption affects gene expression in other somatic tissues of the body, such as the liver, muscles, kidney and even brain,” Pezzuto said.

Even so, the researchers emphasized that their findings are preliminary and limited. Only four female volunteers provided complete RNA sequencing data suitable for analysis.

This small sample size, along with similarities in the participants’ skin types and backgrounds, means that the findings cannot be applied broadly to other populations.

The team also made clear that eating grapes is not a replacement for sunscreen or established sun safety habits.

The study used a highly concentrated grape powder rather than casual grape snacking, and the researchers did not test whether similar effects would occur with fresh fruit.

While more data will be needed to confirm and expand on these findings, the research contributes to a growing interest in how nutrition may influence human gene expression and skin health.

For now, the evidence shows that grapes may interact with the body on a deeper molecular level than previously understood.