A brand new peer-reviewed article argues that grapes deserve a spot amongst at this time’s prime superfoods.
A latest article printed within the peer-reviewed Journal of Agriculture and Meals Chemistry takes a more in-depth have a look at the time period “superfoods” and presents a compelling argument that contemporary grapes deserve a prime spot amongst them. The writer, Dr. John M. Pezzuto, a outstanding skilled in resveratrol and most cancers analysis and Dean of the School of Pharmacy and Well being Sciences at Western New England College, offers an in depth overview supported by a variety of scientific proof.
Based on the article, the phrase “superfood” is extensively used however lacks an official scientific definition or standardized standards. Meals generally known as superfoods are sometimes a part of the Mediterranean Food regimen and are sometimes full of pure plant-based compounds that assist general well being. Dr. Pezzuto first explores the broader panorama of what constitutes a superfood, then shifts focus to grapes, emphasizing that they’re steadily missed in comparison with better-known choices like berries, regardless of providing related well being advantages.
A Advanced and Highly effective Fruit
Grapes are a pure supply of over 1,600 compounds, together with antioxidants and different polyphenols reminiscent of flavonoids, anthocyanidins, catechins, phenolic acids, resveratrol, and extra. Polyphenols are credited with the well being advantages of grapes, through antioxidant exercise and influencing mobile processes. It’s the entire grape and the distinctive matrix of those compounds inside it that creates the organic results, not a single element.
Over sixty peer-reviewed research have been printed within the scientific literature on grapes and well being. The function of grapes on cardiovascular well being is properly established, together with selling leisure of blood vessels and wholesome circulation, in addition to modulating levels of cholesterol.
Scientific trials additionally present that grapes assist mind well being (assist keep wholesome mind metabolism and helpful impacts on cognition), pores and skin well being (enhanced resistance to UV radiation and DNA injury in pores and skin cells), intestine well being (modulating the intestine microbiome and rising range within the intestine), and eye well being (retinal affect through enhance in macular pigment optical density).
Grapes and Nutrigenomics
Lastly, within the realm of nutrigenomics – the research of meals on gene expression within the physique – grape consumption has been proven to positively alter gene expression in related physique programs. Pezzuto means that it’s these actions on the genetic stage which are probably the driving power behind the well being advantages of grapes.
“Dr. Pezzuto reveals that primarily based on the science, grapes are certainly a superfood, and ought to be acknowledged as such,” stated Ian LeMay, president of the California Desk Grape Fee, “and we’re hopeful that utilizing this nomenclature in affiliation with grapes turns into frequent apply. Fortunately, whether or not consumed for well being or sheer enjoyment as a wholesome snack, consuming California grapes is a win for customers.”
Reference: “Perspective: Are Grapes Worthy of the Moniker Superfood?” by John M. Pezzuto, 23 July 2025, Journal of Agricultural and Meals Chemistry.
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.5c05738
