Eating fresh grapes may prevent the accumulation of harmful
oxidized cholesterol as well as the development of
atherosclerotic lesions. According to the study, as reported
in the Journal of Nutrition (vol. 135, pp. 722-728, 2005.),
naturally occurring antioxidants in fresh grapes known as
polyphenols are believed to be responsible for this
beneficial impact.
In order to ensure the scientific validity of grape health
studies, a representative sample of fresh California grapes
was collected, freeze-dried and ground into an edible grape
powder. The grape powder used in this study contains all of
the biologically active compounds found in fresh grapes.
"We found a remarkable reduction in the development of
atherosclerosis following consumption of grape powder," said
principal investigator Bianca Fuhrman, Senior Scientist at
the Lipid Research Laboratory headed by Dr. Michael Aviram
at the Rambam Medical Center in Israel. "Grapes contain an
abundance of powerful antioxidants that appear to inhibit an
array of critical factors that can cause atherosclerosis."
Atherosclerosis, also known as hardening of the arteries, is
the result of cholesterol build-up on the arterial wall,
which leads to blockage of the vessels that supply blood to
the heart or the brain, resulting in a heart attack or
stroke, respectively. Blood cholesterol is carried
throughout the body by two lipoproteins. Low density
lipoprotein (LDL), also known as the "bad" cholesterol,
deposits cholesterol in arterial walls when it is present in
excess. High density lipoprotein (HDL), or the "good"
cholesterol, removes the excess cholesterol from the
arteries to the liver and out of the body. When cholesterol
is damaged by oxidation, such as oxidized LDL cholesterol,
it is more easily deposited in the arterial walls, leading
to a blockage of the vessels. Diseases caused by
atherosclerosis are the leading cause of illness and death
in the U.S.
Dr. Fuhrman's study showed that grape polyphenols reduced
oxidative stress, increased serum antioxidant capacity,
reduced cell uptake of oxidized LDL cholesterol and
decreased the oxidation of LDL in general. These processes
eventually reduce the accumulation of cholesterol in the
cells and prevent foam cell formation, thus inhibiting the
development of atherosclerosis.
"We are pleased to see studies such as this further the
mounting evidence that grapes exert a protective role in
heart health," said Kathleen Nave, president of the
California Table Grape Commission. "Importantly, this work
provides insight that grapes impact a number of mechanisms
that may lead to a reduction in atherosclerosis.”
Make 5 to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables per day your
goal this summer and lead your children towards a life of
health, happiness, vitality, and longevity.
