A new study conducted at the University of California has found that consuming grapes can reduce the risk of heart attacks or strokes. This is because grapes, like most fruits and vegetables, are packed with nutrients that can improve health. Specifically, research indicates that grapes are considered a great food due to chemicals that enhance gut bacteria and lower cholesterol levels.
During the study, the research team tracked 19 participants aged between 21 and 55 years, asking them to consume around 40 grapes daily. The participants followed a diet low in fiber and phytochemicals (polyphenols). Within a month, the diversity of the gut microbiome—the healthy bacteria—among the participants increased. Additionally, levels of harmful cholesterol dropped by less than 8%, and levels of beneficial bacteria of the type "Akkermansia," which burn sugar and cholesterol, increased.
Lead author Professor Zaobing Li from UCLA stated, “We found that grapes have a beneficial effect on gut bacteria, which is great news because a healthy gut is crucial for good health.” He added, “This study deepens our understanding and expands the health benefits of grapes that enhance heart health benefits, including lowering cholesterol.”
It is noteworthy that this study is very small, and the researchers did not replicate their findings with other fruits and vegetables to conclusively announce which is the best overall. Therefore, experts recommend not following a diet that consists solely of grapes and emphasize the importance of varying fruit and vegetable intake, as reported by UPI.
