 Research into the potential impact to our health when consuming grapes suggests that the whole grape—which contains over 1,600 natural plant compounds, including antioxidants and other polyphenols—offers a range of intriguing health benefits when included in our daily diet. |
 The most significant among the grape phytonutrients is a “family” of compounds called polyphenols. All grapes—red, green and black—contain polyphenols. They are found in every part of the grape: the skin, the flesh and the seeds. Simply put, grape polyphenols appear to protect the health and function of our cells. That sounds pretty basic—which it is—but how these influential compounds accomplish the job is both complex and fascinating. |
 Polyphenols promote antioxidant activity and influence cell-to-cell communications. Numerous studies suggest that polyphenols contribute to heart health, with emerging evidence suggesting that they may also play a role in healthy aging and other aspects of health. Today, research is ongoing to uncover even more links between grapes and heart, eye, brain and joint health, and much more. |
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 Grapes are a heart-healthy addition to your diet. In two studies conducted at the University of Connecticut, researchers found that adding grapes to the diet every day supports a healthy heart. Women who consumed 1¼ cups of grapes every day reduced blood triglyceride levels, LDL cholesterol levels, inflammatory proteins and other markers of heart disease.1 Men with metabolic syndrome who consumed 1½ cups of grapes every day reduced blood pressure, improved blood vessel function and decreased a key marker of inflammation.2  Grapes may help support a healthy brain. In a preliminary study conducted at UCLA, researchers found that consuming about 2¼ cups of grapes every day preserved healthy metabolic activity in regions of the brain associated with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, where metabolic decline takes hold.3 A follow-up study is currently underway at UCLA, and additional human studies will be important to fully understand the role of grapes in this vital area of health.  Grapes may help promote a healthy colon. In a preliminary study of individuals with colon cancer, researchers found that consuming about 2½ cups of grapes every day for two weeks showed a significant reduction in the expression of certain target genes responsible for promoting tumor growth in the colon.4 Additional human studies will be important to fully understand the role of grapes in this vital area of health.  |
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| 1 | Zern, T.L.; Wood, J.R.; Greene, C.; West, K.L.; Liu, Y.; Aggarwal, D.; Shachter, N.S. & Fernandez, M.L. (2005). Grape polyphenols exert a cardioprotective effect in pre- and postmenopausal women by lowering plasma lipids and reducing oxidative stress. Journal of Nutrition, 135, 1911–1917. |
| 2 | Barona, J.; Aristizabal, J.D.; Blesso, C.N.; Volek, J.S. & Fernandez, M.L. (2012). Grape polyphenols reduce blood pressure and increase flow-mediated vasodilation in men with metabolic syndrome. Journal of Nutrition, 1–7. |
| 3 | Lee, J.K.; Torsyan, N.; and Silverman, D.H. (2017). Examining the impact of grape consumption on brain metabolism and cognitive function in patients with mild decline in cognition: a double-blinded placebo-controlled pilot study. Experimental Gerontology, 87 (Pt A): 121–128. |
| 4 | Nguyen, A.V.; Marinez, M.; Stamos, M.J.; Moyer, M.P.; Planutis, K.; Hope, C.; and Holcombe, R.F. (2009). Results of a phase I clinical trial examining the effect of plant-derived resveratrol and grape powder on Wnt pathway target gene expression in colonic mucosa and colon cancer. Journal of Cancer Management and Research, 1, 25–37. |