The health benefits of grapes
Grapes are the perfect, portable healthy snack to eat. Enclosed in their bite-size shells, they are a widely popular choice across the globe. The fruit is actually known to be a great source of potassium which helps balance fluids in the body.
A new study, published in Nutrients, discusses findings uncovering even more benefits than previously thought. In the experiment, volunteers were fed grape powder equivalent to two servings of grapes per day, for four weeks.
How did the grapes impact the gut?
Stool samples of the participants were collected and compared to a control group, allowing changes in the participant’s microbiome to be evaluated by a team at the University of California. It was found that all grape eating participants saw an increase in diversity of their gut microbiome. Notably, levels of Akkermansia increased, this bacteria is known to have positive impacts on lipid metabolism and managing glucose levels.
Increased gut microbiome diversity has been linked to a strong immune system, decreased risk of many diseases, and increased overall health. Understanding how this complex system of microorganisms communicate and operate allows for us humans to live healthier lives.
Source study: Nutrients – Effect of Standardized Grape Powder Consumption on the Gut Microbiome of Healthy Subjects: A Pilot Study
