Study finds intake of grapes helps in leading healthy lifestyle

Consuming grapes and grapes products is related with healthier dietary patterns and increased nutrient intake among the adults and children, the findings of a new observational study states.

The study was presented at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Food and Nutrition Conference and Exposition in Philadephia. The study looked at the relation of grape consumption in the non-alcoholic forms most commonly consumed – raisins, fresh grapes and 100% grape juice with the diet quality of the recent, nationally representative sample of the U.S. adults and children.  

Using the 2003-08 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES), the researchers analyzed the diets of over 21,800 children. It was found that consumers of grapes and grape products had increased intakes of total and whole fruit. 

Along, with total and whole fruit, they had increased intake of magnesium, dietary fiber, calcium, potassium and vitamins A, C and B6.  The adults who consumed grape and grape products also had larger intake of saturated fat and cholesterol, and total fat.

Carla McGill, PhD, presenter said, “It is interesting to note that not only did grape consumers have increased intakes of healthy foods, critical vitamins and minerals.”  

The new study complements an extensive body of research and supports the role grapes,  raisins and 100% grape juice can play in a healthy lifestyle.

Grape is a fruiting berry of the deliciously woody vines of the botanical gardens described as Vitis. They are a non-climateric type of fruit, mostly occurring in clusters. They can be used to make jams, juice, jelly, wine, grape seed extract, raisins, vinegar and grape seed oil.