A recent human study found that consuming grapes protected against ultraviolet (UV) skin damage by increasing resistance to sunburn and reducing markers of UV damage. The study attributed these beneficial effects to the natural components polyphenols in grapes, which may act as an edible sunscreen offering additional protection.
A pilot study conducted by the University of California, Los Angeles, has shown that consuming grapes twice a day for six months can prevent metabolic decline in Alzheimer-related areas of the brain. Participants who followed a grape-enriched diet demonstrated improved attention and memory performance compared to those on a placebo diet.
Two laboratory studies found that grape polyphenols reduced body fat, improved gut barrier function and increased beneficial bacteria in mice fed high-fat diets.
A diet rich in grapes helps preserve retinal structure and function by countering oxidative stress. Grapes' natural components promote antioxidant activity, suggesting potential benefits for eye health and preventing age-related macular degeneration.
A grape-enriched diet resulted in a protective effect on retinal structure and function, with three-fold higher rod and cone photoreceptor responses compared to control diets. The study also found lower levels of inflammatory proteins and higher amounts of protective proteins in the retinas.
A 16-week study found that grape consumption significantly decreased self-reported pain related to activity and total knee symptoms in individuals with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. The beneficial effect was more pronounced in females, particularly those under 64 years old.