The diversity of bacterial communities in the gut or the gut microbiome is now documented as an essential factor for good overall health. But beyond this effect on intestinal microbial diversity, this study shows that the consumption of grapes can considerably reduce not only the cholesterol level but also the bile acids which also play an essential role in the metabolism of cholesterol.
–
Grapes, a natural factor in intestinal and heart health
This intervention study, led by Dr. Zhaoping Li, invited healthy participants to consume the equivalent of 1.5 cups of grapes per day for 4 weeks, as part of an otherwise low-fiber diet. and low in polyphenols. At the end of these 4 weeks of grape consumption, the researchers observe:
- a sharp increase in microbial diversity as measured by the Shannon index, a commonly used tool;
- Akkermansia, a bacterium documented for its beneficial effect on glucose and lipid metabolism, as well as on the integrity of the intestinal mucosa, is one of those beneficial bacteria that has greatly increased;
- a decrease in blood cholesterol is observed, including a decrease of more than 6% in total cholesterol and 5.9% in LDL cholesterol;
- bile acids, linked to cholesterol metabolism, decreased by 40.9%.
Consuming grapes therefore appears to be beneficial for bacteria and therefore intestinal health, with benefits for heart health.
–
