HOW SWEET IT IS –
Aug. 21, 2024 – Evidence indicates that grapes could be a smart choice for anyone who wants to lower their cholesterol without resorting to many (or any) medications. Recent studies point to the unexpected effect grapes have on cholesterol, which is useful to know if you’re interested in controlling your cholesterol levels as much as possible with food.
The polyphenols in grapes are one of the reasons they’re being studied as cholesterol-improving superfoods. Polyphenols are antioxidant-rich compounds with the potential for anti-inflammatory capabilities (via Healthline). It’s this aspect that seems to improve cardiovascular system performance, ultimately preventing cholesterol from building up and causing arterial blockages.
A 2020 meta-analysis in the Journal of Clinical Medicine explored the effect of grape polyphenols on cholesterol. The authors reviewed numerous clinical trials to determine if the grape polyphenols moved the needle on lipid profiles in study subjects. They determined that polyphenols could have a “favorable effect,” meaning they could help keep low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol — aka bad cholesterol — at healthy levels. Plus, per the findings of a 2022 systematic review in Horticulturae, grape phenols might have a place in lowering cholesterol. However, the authors recommended further testing to determine exactly how to best leverage the phenolic compounds available in foods like grapes.
