Written By: Debjani Arora | Updated : February 19, 2016 9:55 AM IST
Fruits are rich in antioxidants and can do you a great deal of good. Especially, if you can munch on a bowl of grapes at least thrice a week, it can do your heart lot of favours. Being rich in antioxidants and polyphenols grapes reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases and keeps your heart healthy. They are also rich in anthocyanins, a sub-type of polyphenols that gives them the red, green, purple or black colour of the skin. Another polyphenol called resveratrol (present in red wine too) is associated with boosting heart health and improving blood circulation. While red wine is also a product of grapes, we still think consuming the whole fruit is more beneficial than sipping alcohol in any form, plus you also get the added fibre which keeps your gut healthy.
Here are ways in which grapes can keep your heart young and healthy:
It prevents atherosclerosis: Atherosclerosis or thickening of arteries can set the stage for various heart diseases and cardiac arrest. But a study published in the journal Circulation in the year 2001 pointed out that consumption of grape juice, especially made of purple grapes, reduces platelet aggregation and initiates release of nitric oxide that dilates the blood vessels and improves circulation, thus preventing thickening of the arteries [1].
It lowers the level of LDL cholesterol: The polyphenols present in the skin of the grapes help in some ways to reduce the risk of heart diseases and one of them is by lowering your LDL cholesterol levels. They help reduce oxidative stress and also improve and maintain the inner lining of the heart from any damage.
It lowers blood pressure: Again with the rich antioxidants and polyphenols grapes help to lower blood pressure by boosting the circulation and keeping the arteries strong and healthy [3].
Reference
1. Freedman JE, Parker C 3rd, Li L, Perlman JA, Frei B, Ivanov V, Deak LR,Iafrati MD, Folts JD. Select flavonoids and whole juice from purple grapes inhibit platelet function and enhance nitric oxide release. Circulation. 2001 Jun 12;103(23):2792-8. PubMed PMID: 11401934.
2. Wightman JD, Heuberger RA. Effect of grape and other berries on cardiovascular health. J Sci Food Agric. 2015 Jun;95(8):1584-97. doi: 10.1002/jsfa.6890. Epub 2014 Oct 6. Review. PubMed PMID: 25171728.
3. Dohadwala MM, Vita JA. Grapes and cardiovascular disease. J Nutr. 2009 Sep;139(9):1788S-93S. doi: 10.3945/jn.109.107474. Epub 2009 Jul 22. Review.PubMed PMID: 19625699; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC2728695.
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