Drink Up! Wine May Prevent Sunburn

Good news if you enjoy a glass of vino as much as we do: The Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistrypublished a new study that claims wine may protect you from the sun's harmful rays.

Apparently, a compound found in grapes can guard skin cells from ultraviolet radiation, according to researchers from the University of Barcelona and the Spanish National Research Council. Without getting too tech-y, it works something like this: When you're out in the sun and damaging UV rays hit your skin, they kill skin cells, which in turn, cause sun damage. But the flavonoids-or chemical compounds, found in grapes work to halt that chemical reaction, thus potentially protecting your skin from sunburn.

We knew there was a reason that beachside sangria tasted so good. And because we like to share, here is our favorite (and healthiest) recipe for that:

Beachy Sangria

1 (750-ml) bottle red wine

1/4 cup orange liqueur, such as Triple Sec or Grand Marnier (this won't prevent sunburn, but adds nice flavor)

1 orange (unpeeled), thinly sliced

1 lime (unpeeled), thinly sliced

1 8-ounce can pineapple chunks with juice

2 cups naturally flavored lime or lemon-lime seltzer or club soda

Mix the liquids together and garnish with ice and fruit.

Just remember, everything in moderation. And don't drink up in lieu of lathering up. Suncreen is still important. Cheers!

Photo: Thinkstock

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