A brand new peer-reviewed article argues that grapes deserve a spot amongst right this moment’s prime superfoods.
A latest article revealed within the peer-reviewed Journal of Agriculture and Meals Chemistry takes a more in-depth take a look at the time period “superfoods” and presents a compelling argument that contemporary grapes deserve a prime spot amongst them. The creator, Dr. John M. Pezzuto, a distinguished professional in resveratrol and most cancers analysis and Dean of the School of Pharmacy and Well being Sciences at Western New England College, supplies an in depth overview supported by a variety of scientific proof.
In line with 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 plan 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 incessantly 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 similar to flavonoids, anthocyanidins, catechins, phenolic acids, resveratrol, and extra. Polyphenols are credited with the well being advantages of grapes, by way of antioxidant exercise and influencing mobile processes. It’s the complete grape and the distinctive matrix of those compounds inside it that creates the organic results, not a single part.
Over sixty peer-reviewed research have been revealed 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.
Medical trials additionally present that grapes assist mind well being (assist keep wholesome mind metabolism and useful impacts on cognition), pores and skin well being (enhanced resistance to UV radiation and DNA harm in pores and skin cells), intestine well being (modulating the intestine microbiome and growing variety within the intestine), and eye well being (retinal affect by way of improve in macular pigment optical density).
Grapes and Nutrigenomics
Lastly, within the realm of nutrigenomics – the examine of meals on gene expression within the physique – grape consumption has been proven to positively alter gene expression in related physique techniques. Pezzuto means that it’s these actions on the genetic degree which might be doubtless the driving power behind the well being advantages of grapes.
“Dr. Pezzuto reveals that based mostly 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 widespread 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