CREA is the most important Italian body of agri-food research. Through a Press release dating back to the beginning of 2018, has disclosed the results of an experimental study conducted by a team of researchers from CREA Viticulture and Enology of Turi, in collaboration with the University of Bari. Their purpose was to demonstrate or deny the link between prolonged consumption of grapes and the benefits to the heart. The answer was positive: eating fresh grapes is good for the heart.
We had already dealt with the role of grapes in the prevention of Alzheimer’s and cardiovascular disease on our pages. In the latter case, referring precisely to this CREA study, which we will now deal with more fully.
Grapes are good for the heart: how the study went
The subjects of the study were 30 healthy volunteers. Of these, 20 followed a grape-enriched diet (5g / kg weight per day) for three weeks. The others continued to follow their usual diet.
The volunteers took three blood tests each: one at the beginning of the experiment, another at the end of the grape-taking period and the last one month later. The researchers concluded that the effect persists even after stopping the persistent consumption of grapes.
The grape variety used
For the first time, fresh and non-derivative table grapes were used. Specifically, the volunteers ate grapes Autumn Royal, a seedless black grape variety known for its large berries. The choice comes from its characteristics. In fact, it has a high content of polyphenolic compounds, high antioxidant activity and a low sugar content.
The reasons for eating this fruit which is a great ally of the heart
Specifically, its ability to contribute to the protection of the body from cardiovascular diseases, the main cause of death in our country (44% of all deaths according to theISS).
It also has an anticoagulant effect: it helps to reduce the mechanisms of thrombus formation and to increase those responsible for their removal. So it provides a great help to the heart against thrombosis.
But the benefits didn’t stop there
In addition to those already mentioned, it must be remembered that grapes are particularly rich in nutrients: mineral salts (iron, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, manganese, magnesium, iodine, chlorine, arsenic, silicon), vitamins A, B and C , fibers and polyphenols.
If eaten in the doses used during the experiment, it is also a valuable aid for the prevention of hypertension, diabetes and oxidative stress. Here are all the reasons why eat this fruit which is a great ally of the heart.
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