- An interesting new scientific study points out that a widely known fruit may have been underestimated in terms of its superfood capabilities.
- The research claims that grapes are packed with over 1,600 compounds, including antioxidants and polyphenols, which could make them deserving of superfood status.
- Nutritionists are on board with this idea. Here’s why that might matter to you.
When you hear the term “superfood,” you might picture something exotic, right? Like berries that are hard to find in most grocery stores. But guess what? Recent findings have surfaced about a more common superfood that could be sitting in your fridge already.
A paper published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry suggests that grapes have been overlooked for too long. Sure, it’s worth noting that this study had backing from the California Table Grape Commission, but many dietitians agree with its conclusions about grapes being a potential superfood. Here’s what they have to say.
What did the paper find?
The study starts by defining what superfoods are and mentions that grapes are frequently sidelined compared to fruits like berries, despite offering similar health advantages.
According to the research, grapes contain more than 1,600 biological compounds, including a variety of antioxidants and polyphenols involved in many health benefits. The document references over 60 studies discussing the positive effects of grapes on cardiovascular health, pointing out that they can help relax your blood vessels and support circulation.
Moreover, the study highlights findings that suggest grapes may be beneficial for brain, skin, gut, and eye health. In fact, the researchers argue that scientific evidence supports grapes’ place in the superfood category.
What can grapes do for your health?
Grapes are rich in antioxidants like resveratrol, which Keri Gans, a registered dietitian, notes could be beneficial for heart health and reducing inflammation. They also have a high water content, roughly 82 percent, so they help keep you hydrated, along with providing vitamin C and potassium, which are great for your skin and blood pressure.
Gans mentions that she often recommends grapes to her clients because not only are they versatile—great in both sweet and savory dishes—but they’re a solid source of antioxidants as well. Resveratrol, in particular, has been linked to anti-inflammatory effects.
Additional benefits? Grapes may support heart health, boost immune functions, and even potentially protect against certain cancers, according to Cording.
What are antioxidants and polyphenols?
Antioxidants protect cells from damage caused by unstable molecules linked to various diseases. Polyphenols, a subgroup of antioxidants found in plant foods, are particularly noted for their anti-inflammatory properties and heart health benefits.
What are some other great superfoods?
The concept of “superfood” can be a bit contentious. The study’s author hinted that there is no universal definition agreed upon by experts. Gans cautions against using the term too casually. It can imply that a single food holds all the answers, while true health is more about overall dietary habits.
Nonetheless, nutrient-dense options like blueberries, salmon, lentils, leafy greens, and nuts are all worthwhile additions to your diet. And now, you can probably add grapes to that list!
