Scientific research has revealed that a fruit salad staple can deliver remarkable health benefits, from enhanced cardiovascular function to improved vision.
Fresh grapes deserve recognition as a genuine superfood, according to the latest findings, which revealed that the fruit harbours more than 1,600 health-promoting compounds.
Published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, the peer-reviewed analysis has proved that grapes provide extensive health advantages affecting the heart, brain, skin, digestive system and eyes.
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Fresh grapes are already known for their positive effects on heart health
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Remarkably, the research has even shown that grapes can influence gene expression throughout the body.
Fresh grapes are already well-known for their positive impact on cardiovascular function by encouraging blood vessel relaxation and supporting healthy blood flow while helping to regulate cholesterol.
Additionally, studies have already demonstrated grapes' positive effects on cognitive function by supporting brain metabolism.
What's more, the fruit strengthens the skin's defence against ultraviolet damage and protects cellular DNA. Research has also shown that grapes improve digestive health by enhancing microbiome diversity.
And, finally, investigations have found benefits for vision, with grapes increasing optical density in the eye's macular pigment, potentially protecting retinal health.
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The scientific evaluation rails against the current superfood landscape, where grapes remain notably absent despite their impressive nutritional profile.
Now, the latest evidence has suggested these fruits are worthy of receiving equal standing alongside other celebrated superfoods, such as berries, apples and almonds.
While Mediterranean Diet staples typically earn superfood designation due to their beneficial plant compounds, grapes remain curiously overlooked, cancer and resveratrol expert Dr John Pezzuto pointed out.
Grapes should join the superfood leagues alongside berries, the research claimed
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The research details that eating grapes amends genetic activity within various bodily systems, which Dr Pezzuto identifies as the fundamental mechanism driving their health benefits.
As a result, the research has drastically transformed the fruit's diverse compound profile, with the food bursting with antioxidants and polyphenols including flavonoids, anthocyanidins, catechins, phenolic acids and resveratrol - all of which work synergistically rather than in isolation.
"Dr. Pezzuto shows that based on the science, grapes are indeed a superfood, and should be recognised as such," California Table Grape Commission president Ian LeMay said.
He revealed that he hoped that such a scientific classification would soon become standard practice, benefiting consumers seeking both health advantages and enjoyable snacking options.