Health and Me

Itisha Arya

This Common Fruit May Help Flush Out Fat And Sugar, Lowering Heart Attack Risk

grapes lower heart attack risk

Snacking on <span>grapes</span> could offer surprising protection against heart attacks and strokes, researchers say. The fruit, often labelled a superfood, contains natural compounds that support gut health and help bring down cholesterol levels, both of which play a role in heart disease.

Researchers found that even a short-term change made a difference, especially for people whose diets were low in vegetables and fibre.

<h2>Eating Grapes May Lower Heart Attack and Stroke Risk, Study Finds</h2>

As per Express UK,In the study, participants saw health improvements after just four weeks of eating grapes daily. The simple dietary shift was linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, which remains the leading cause of death worldwide.

Grapes are rich in antioxidants known to calm inflammation, a key driver of heart problems.

<h2>How Grapes Affect Cholesterol and Gut Health</h2>

Professor Zhaoping Li of the University of California, Los Angeles, who led the research, said grapes improved the diversity of gut bacteria while also reducing cholesterol levels.

The study followed adults aged 21 to 55 who ate the equivalent of about 40 grapes, or two servings, each day. Their usual diets were low in fibre and plant compounds called polyphenols.

Within a month, researchers saw a clear increase in microbiome diversity. This community of trillions of bacteria plays a central role in digestion, immunity, and overall health.

<h2>Drop In ‘Bad’ Cholesterol And Harmful Fats</h2>

Participants recorded nearly an eight per cent reduction in LDL cholesterol, often described as the “bad” kind. Levels of bile acids, which fuel harmful fats in the body, fell by more than 40 per cent.

These fats are linked to the formation of clots that can block blood vessels and cut off blood supply to the heart or brain.

One of the most notable changes was an increase in Akkermansia, a beneficial bacterium known to help burn sugar and cholesterol and strengthen the gut lining.

Professor Li said the findings were encouraging, as a healthy gut is increasingly recognised as essential to good overall health.

<h2>Why Researchers Call Grapes A Superfood</h2>

Professor Li said the study adds to growing evidence of grapes’ <span>heart health</span> benefits, particularly their role in lowering cholesterol. Grapes provide a rich mix of fibre and polyphenols, which appear to influence how the body processes fats.

The findings, published in the journal Nutrients, may help shape future research into diet and disease prevention.

Previous research has linked grapes to a range of health benefits, from helping manage weight gain in middle age to improving libido.

In another study, researchers found grapes may help counter the effects of processed foods high in fats and sugars.

In experiments on mice fed a high-fat Western-style diet, those given a daily grape supplement showed less fatty liver disease and lived longer than those that did not.

Dr John Pezzuto of Western New England University said the results suggest grapes may influence how genes linked to metabolism and ageing behave. The changes observed in mice could equate to several additional years of life in humans.

Researchers also found improvements in brain function. Mice given grape supplements showed better behaviour and cognition, suggesting potential protective effects against conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.

A separate study found grapes may also boost metabolism, helping the body burn calories more efficiently. This could explain their protective role against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which is strongly linked to poor diet.

Dr Pezzuto said long-term grape consumption appeared to reduce oxidative damage, improve fat metabolism, and support longevity, even alongside a high-fat diet.

Heart disease kills an estimated 17 million people globally each year and more than 160,000 in the UK alone. While grapes are not a cure, researchers say the evidence suggests they can play a meaningful role as part of a balanced diet.

The findings were published across several journals, including Foods, Antioxidants, and Food &amp; Nutrition, adding to growing interest in how everyday foods influence long-term health.

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Snacking on grapes could offer surprising protection against heart attacks and strokes, researchers say. The fruit, often labelled a superfood, contains natural compounds that support gut health and help bring down cholesterol levels, both of which play a role in heart disease.Researchers found that even a short-term change made a difference, especially for people whose diets were low in vegetables and fibre.Eating Grapes May Lower Heart Attack and Stroke Risk, Study FindsAs per Express UK,In the study, participants saw health improvements after just four weeks of eating grapes daily. The simple dietary shift was linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, which remains the leading cause of death worldwide.Grapes are rich in antioxidants known to calm inflammation, a key driver of heart problems.How Grapes Affect Cholesterol and Gut HealthProfessor Zhaoping Li of the University of California, Los Angeles, who led the research, said grapes improved the diversity of gut bacteria while also reducing cholesterol levels.The study followed adults aged 21 to 55 who ate the equivalent of about 40 grapes, or two servings, each day. Their usual diets were low in fibre and plant compounds called polyphenols.Within a month, researchers saw a clear increase in microbiome diversity. This community of trillions of bacteria plays a central role in digestion, immunity, and overall health.Drop In ‘Bad’ Cholesterol And Harmful FatsParticipants recorded nearly an eight per cent reduction in LDL cholesterol, often described as the “bad” kind. Levels of bile acids, which fuel harmful fats in the body, fell by more than 40 per cent.These fats are linked to the formation of clots that can block blood vessels and cut off blood supply to the heart or brain.Rise in Beneficial Gut BacteriaOne of the most notable changes was an increase in Akkermansia, a beneficial bacterium known to help burn sugar and cholesterol and strengthen the gut lining.Professor Li said the findings were encouraging, as a healthy gut is increasingly recognised as essential to good overall health.Why Researchers Call Grapes A SuperfoodProfessor Li said the study adds to growing evidence of grapes’ heart health benefits, particularly their role in lowering cholesterol. Grapes provide a rich mix of fibre and polyphenols, which appear to influence how the body processes fats.The findings, published in the journal Nutrients, may help shape future research into diet and disease prevention.Previous research has linked grapes to a range of health benefits, from helping manage weight gain in middle age to improving libido.In another study, researchers found grapes may help counter the effects of processed foods high in fats and sugars.In experiments on mice fed a high-fat Western-style diet, those given a daily grape supplement showed less fatty liver disease and lived longer than those that did not.Dr John Pezzuto of Western New England University said the results suggest grapes may influence how genes linked to metabolism and ageing behave. The changes observed in mice could equate to several additional years of life in humans.Researchers also found improvements in brain function. Mice given grape supplements showed better behaviour and cognition, suggesting potential protective effects against conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.Grapes and MetabolismA separate study found grapes may also boost metabolism, helping the body burn calories more efficiently. This could explain their protective role against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which is strongly linked to poor diet.Dr Pezzuto said long-term grape consumption appeared to reduce oxidative damage, improve fat metabolism, and support longevity, even alongside a high-fat diet.Heart disease kills an estimated 17 million people globally each year and more than 160,000 in the UK alone. While grapes are not a cure, researchers say the evidence suggests they can play a meaningful role as part of a balanced diet.The findings were published across several journals, including Foods, Antioxidants, and Food & Nutrition, adding to growing interest in how everyday foods influence long-term health.