A large-scale survey study published in the journal Nutrients reaffirms the benefits of incorporating plants into our daily diet. The inclusion of grapes in meals helps reduce blood cholesterol levels and improves beneficial gut bacteria.
“Grapes are among the most widely consumed fruits,” stated Professor Zhaoping Li and his colleagues at the University of California. “They not only contain a variety of phytochemicals, such as catechins, proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins, leucoanthocyanidins, quercetin, kaempferol, stilbenes, natural antioxidants like ellagic acid, and hydroxycinnamates, but they are also a valuable source of dietary fiber.”
“The anti-toxic, antibacterial, and antiviral properties of grapes, grape extracts, or phenolic compounds from grapes have been mentioned in previous reports.”
In the experiment, the research team fed rabbits a diet designed to induce atherosclerosis while also adding dried grapes to their meals. The results indicated that nutrients from grapes improved liver function and reduced the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the rabbits.
“A recent study on mice showed that regular grape consumption could reduce obesity and improve fatty liver lesions, while also being linked to the enhancement of beneficial gut bacteria,” the team of experts noted.
The experiment demonstrated the benefits of using grapes in daily meals. Adding grape powder to the diet can increase the diversity of beneficial gut bacteria while improving the metabolism of cholesterol and bile acids. Grapes also create a better living environment for Akkermansia, a beneficial bacterium that plays a role in glucose and lipid metabolism.
Ancient wine transport ship model in the Mediterranean.
Thanks to the grape-enriched diet, both blood cholesterol and bile acid levels decreased. “We found that grapes have a positive effect on gut bacteria, which is great news since a healthy gut is crucial for good health.”
“This study enhances our understanding of grapes and expands the list of health benefits they offer, while also reinforcing their heart health benefits by lowering cholesterol levels,” the team concluded.
