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Eating grapes can increase the diversity of the gut microbiome and lower blood cholesterol. This was the conclusion reached by a team of researchers from the Medical School named after David Geffen of the University of California.
Previous studies have shown that eating certain fruits, such as apples and grapes, can improve the health of blood vessels due to the antioxidants they contain - polyphenols.
According to scientists, such fruits also help lower blood sugar and blood pressure. In some cases, polyphenols are able to reduce inflammation in the body, which leads to the development of heart diseases, among others.
In the new work, the researchers looked at other possible benefits of eating grapes. To do this, they involved 19 people in the experiment, who followed a special diet for four weeks.
During the month, each of the participants consumed products with a low content of polyphenols and fiber. Later, grape extract was added to the diet, volunteers had to eat 46 g of grape powder, which is equivalent to two portions of berries.
As a result, the researchers found that all participants had an improved gut microbiome, which is commonly associated with strong immunity. Scientists also recorded a decrease in total cholesterol by 6,1% and a decrease in LDL by 5,9%.
