A new study suggests eating grapes can reduce cholesterol levels which may help prevent heart attacks and strokes. Read on for details…
- The participants in a study at the University of California ate grape supplements over four weeks
- Grapes noticeably reduced cholesterol levels in their blood
- Excessive levels of cholesterol can clog the arteries and cause a heart attack or stroke
- Grapes contain beneficial chemical compounds called polyphenols
Grapes Can Lower LDL and Boost The Diversity Of Beneficial Gut Bacteria – A New Study Says!
Researchers gave participants 46 grams of whole grape powder a day, providing the equivalent of about 40 grapes—two servings—each day.
Researchers reported that just four weeks of eating grapes lead to notable health improvement among people who don’t regularly eat fruits and vegetables.
The researchers reported:
- Eating grapes enhanced the diversity of bacteria in the gut significantly, which is essential to a robust immune system. The lead study author, Professor Zhaoping, reported that grapes had a beneficial effect on gut bacteria and that a healthy gut is critical to good health.
- The number of good bacteria called Akkermania also increased during the study. This type of bacteria helps burn cholesterol & sugar and strengthen the lining of the intestines.
- In addition, consuming grapes reduced cholesterol levels significantly, the fat-like substance in our blood that can clog the arteries and lead to heart diseases.
- Consuming grapes was also found to decrease levels of bile acids, which play an essential role in metabolizing or processing cholesterol.
Grapes Lower Cholesterol & Improve Gut Health
The study co-author Jieping Yang, Ph.D., at the Center for Human Nutrition, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, explained that the effects were likely as grapes are high in polyphenols and fiber, both of which offer benefits to the gut and cardiovascular system.
Grapes are rich in polyphenols – antioxidants – which help maintain blood vessels flexible and healthy for good circulation.
Grapes also contain essential antioxidants that can decrease inflammation in the body, a risk factor for heart disease.
Polyphenols and other ‘phytochemicals’ can also reduce and help control blood sugar levels and blood pressure levels, and reduce chronic inflammation,
Note: The study was led by Zhaoping Li, a nutritionist and professor of medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, and reported in the journal Nutrients.
Grapes Effects On Cholesterol – Bottom Line
The study reveals the heart health benefits of grapes with lowered cholesterol.
The results reinforce that simple lifestyle changes may help lower cardiovascular risk – the world’s leading cause of death. For example, participants achieved almost 8% less bad cholesterol and bile acids, which fuel bad cholesterol, fell by about 40%. These harmful fats can lead to clots that block blood vessels, cut off blood flow to the heart or brain, and can result in a heart attack or stroke.
Important Note
Due to its small number of participants, the study is considered a pilot study. More research is needed. However, grapes definitely provide heart-healthy—and gut-boosting benefits. So they deserve a special place in your fruit bowl.
Read this for “Natural Cholesterol Cure”
About Author: Renu Bakshi, AKA Fitness Buffhq, is ISSA Certified Elite Trainer. He passed 
Personal Fitness Trainer Course, Nutrition Health Coach course & Specialist Exercise Therapy course from ISSA, USA obtaining + 97% marks. He shares his experience and knowledge about nutrition and effective workouts to get you in the best shape of your life, no matter how old you may be. The author says: “For me, age is just a number!”
