The next time you’re craving some fresh fruit, you might want to grab a few grapes. Not only are they a tasty treat, but they can also help you live longer, according to a new study.
In the study, recently published by the Foods journal, when around two cups of grapes were added to a daily diet that included a high quantity of high-fat foods, it resulted in lower issues with fatty liver, raised the levels of antioxidant genes, and increased lifespan. Though the study’s subjects were mice rather than humans, Dr. John Pezzuto, who was a part of the team from Western New England University that conducted the study, estimated that a person could likely enjoy a life that could be four or five years longer than it might be otherwise if they start eating grapes regularly, per EurekAlert!.
“What makes me excited about this research and topic is that there will be more research done on antioxidants and their role in disease management and prevention in general. This will provide even more reason for people to focus on an inclusive variety of foods in their diets,” Laura McDermott MS, RDN, CD, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Dietitian with RET Physical Therapy Group, tells Eat This, Not That!.
As for why grapes are so healthy, McDermott notes that “the antioxidant content makes grapes anti-inflammatory in nature.” Indeed, McDermott notes that “grapes have a variety of antioxidants including resveratrol, catechins, quercetin, and anthocyanins.” While she acknowledges that “those names may not mean much to most people,” she explains that “the takeaway is that grapes have multiple antioxidants, which in combination with a balanced diet will help fight free radicals, lowering oxidative stress, and producing anti-inflammatory results.”
McDermott adds that “grapes are also healthy because they contain phytonutrients, which also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to them, helping to keep your cells and DNA healthy, and in turn helping to keep you healthy!”
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“Antioxidants are one of the coolest parts of food in my opinion,” McDermott says, adding, “the fact that they are able to go into our system and help fight off inflammation (reducing oxidative stress) is a huge plus!”
McDermott also points out, “This study, as well as other studies done with antioxidants from grapes, are using very ‘normal’ quantities—meaning you can incorporate in a cup or two into your day and reap the antioxidant benefits—no need to go crazy with it!”
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