1,600 reasons to eat this underappreciated superfruit

While many in the medical community overlook the role of nutrition in maintaining optimal well-being, researchers are proving that there are indeed superfoods that can have a significant impact.

They say that one of the most impressive of these superfoods is a common fruit that’s not only readily available at your local grocery store, but also one that most people enjoy.

And if you need an excuse to enjoy it more often, consider the 1,600 health-boosting compounds that can improve your health status — starting with these six benefits…

Your body on grapes

A study review by a leading cancer researcher at the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at Western New England University scoured over sixty peer-reviewed studies on the health benefits of grapes.

According to those scientists, there are over 1,600 compounds fueling the health-boosting power of grapes. A significant advantage is that the compounds fall into the categories of antioxidants and polyphenols — both of which are considered bioactive compounds.

Bioactive compounds possess diverse biological activities and can interact with biological membranes, receptors and enzymes to influence cellular processes. According to the National Institutes of Health, bioactive compounds are strong enough to exert “changes in health status,” and help prevent myriad diseases.

Those 1,600 reasons make eating grapes a simple and effective way to support head-to-toe health, starting with these six health issues…

#1 – Improved heart health

The research revealed that the benefits grapes bring to cardiovascular health are well established. Grapes are known for promoting relaxation of blood vessels and healthy circulation (which supports blood pressure in the normal range), as well as modulating cholesterol levels.

#2 – Cognitive support

Beyond the heart, clinical trials have shown that grapes deliver powerful support for better brain health, promoting brain metabolism (energy production) and improving cognition. One study found that taking a small dose of resveratrol (found in the skin of grapes) regularly not only improves cognitive function but can also improve blood flow and brain health.

#3 – Beautiful skin

Compounds found in the skin of grapes enhance skin health by increasing resistance to UV radiation and DNA damage at the cellular level. Researchers believe polyphenols, natural antioxidant components found in grapes, are responsible for these beneficial effects.

#4 – Balanced gut microbiome

Grape compounds boost and support overall gut health. Eating grapes has been shown to increase the levels of a type of probiotic bacteria, an enzyme that promotes metabolic detoxification, and enhance the overall diversity of the gut microbiome.

#5 – Eye health

If that weren’t already enough, grapes also contain potent support for your eyes. Beneficial compounds promote retinal health by increasing the optical density of macular pigment (MPOD), a crucial factor in protecting the eyes from harmful blue light and oxidative stress.

#6 – Youthful muscles

Do you worry that family genes can set you up for sickness or early death? Grape consumption has been shown to alter gene expression in relevant body systems. According to leading resveratrol and cancer researcher John M. Pezzuto, Ph.D., D.Sc., Dean of the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at Western New England University, it’s this ability to affect activities at the genetic level that is likely the driving force behind the health-boosting power of grapes.

For example, studies have shown that eating grapes can positively alter gene expression in muscle health. By promoting genes linked to lean muscle mass and reducing those associated with muscle degeneration, adding grapes to your diet could help counteract age-related muscle loss. This effect is especially pronounced in women.

Great compounds in grapes

So what specific compounds fuel the incredible benefits attributed to grapes? Here are just a few of the special compounds you can fill your body with by eating grapes regularly — and how they promote health…

• Flavonoids – Responsible for the rainbow of colors found in fruits and veggies, these compounds boost the brain’s blood supply and slow its aging and offer blood pressure benefits to boot. Just be sure to diversify your flavonoids to ditch disease and live longer.
• Anthocyanidins – These pigments are known for their antioxidant properties and health benefits, like reducing inflammation, lowering blood pressure, and decreasing the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
• Catechins – Another type of antioxidant, catechins are also famously found in green tea. They’re known for their role in reducing inflammation, improving heart health and enhancing brain function. They may also aid in weight management.
• Phenolic acids – These acids are best known for their antioxidant properties and potent support for reducing inflammation, improving gut health and guarding against chronic diseases, including heart disease and diabetes.
• Resveratrol – A potent antioxidant from the skin of red grapes, resveratrol is a health-promoting powerhouse. It reduces brain aging and protects the brain’s barrier, fights muscle loss, promotes heart health and even combats the effects of a high-fat diet and Alzheimer’s.

Enjoy grapes daily to support your best health!

Sources:

This common fruit has over 1,600 compounds that boost brain, heart, and gut health — ScienceDaily

Scientists Discover Surprising New Benefits of Eating Grapes — SciTechDaily

WNE Research Finds Grape Consumption Enhances Muscle Health — WNE

The secret to lower blood pressure with flavonoid – Easy Health Options

Foods that slow brain aging by boosting its blood supply – Easy Health Options

Health benefits of anthocyanins against age-related diseases — Frontiers

Beneficial Properties of Green Tea Catechins — NIH

Phenolic Acids: Sources, Definition, and Health Benefits — Biology Insights

How resveratrol helps fight muscle loss and fatigue — Easy Health Options

Resveratrol fights effects of a high-fat diet and Alzheimer’s — Easy Health Options