August 18/London/The Mirror -- A glass of red wine after a day in the sun can help cut the risk of skin cancer, experts have claimed.

Red wine contains antioxidants similar to those found in red food which boost resistance to UV rays.

In tests, people who were given drinks high in antioxidants built up a 50% greater resistance than those given plain drinks.

Skin cancer occurs when UV rays damage the immune system through unprotected skin, reducing the body's ability to repair itself.

The antioxidants act as the "first line of defence" against UV rays, said the study in the journal Nutrition Reviews.

Dr. Niva Shapira, of Tel Aviv University, who worked on the research, said, "Consider making dietary changes, to promote skin health."

From the August 30, 2010, Prepared Foods E-dition