New Delhi: Grapes are often associated with wines or weight gain due to their high sugar content. But little do people realise that this fruit is at the end of the day a rich source of vitamin C and fibre and antioxidants that can be incredibly beneficial for the heart – according to a nutrition expert, this fruit has the ability to curb high cholesterol levels. Red grapes in particular can reduce cholesterol and inflammation while also boosting immunity – and this is owed to polyphenols in the juicy fruit.
How do grapes affect cholesterol?
Polyphenols in grapes are plant compounds that work like antioxidants. Red grapes also contain anthocyanins, a blue pigment which benefits the brain and also resveratrol which has anti-ageing and anti-inflammatory effects on health. Additionally, the skin of red grapes are rich in catechins and epicatechins and antioxidants which reduces oxidative stress in the body.
A detailed study of the same was published in 2023 Nature and it involved healthy men and women discovered that eating three 80-gram servings of grapes every day – approximately, 14 grams in a day for two weeks, can improve gut health. This can increase levels of healthy bacteria Streptococcus thermophilus that improves gut microbiome. These changes are usually linked with better digestion, lower risk of inflammation and better immunity. The same study also showed a substantial increase in DNA-repairing molecules and this suggests that the bioactive compounds found in grapes is associated with a healthier, longer life.
Grapes also contain fibre which can help reduce LDL levels naturally. The soluble fibres in this fruit can reduce nutrients that are absorbed in the blood. Another study, published in the Food and Function journal in 2015, discovered the health benefits of red grapes. It was also found that patients of high cholesterol, who ate three servings of red grapes per day for eight weeks, had lower total cholesterol levels.
The study’s researchers from the Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Iran, divided 69 patients in three groups. Two of the groups were given 500 grams of Condori red grapes or Shahroodi white grapes for 8 weeks and the third group were given none of these. Total levels of antioxidant capacity increased upon intake of red and white grapes as compared to the group that was not given grapes.
Polyphenols in grapes are plant compounds that work like antioxidants. Red grapes also contain anthocyanins, a blue pigment which benefits the brain and also resveratrol which has anti-ageing and anti-inflammatory effects on health. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
