A new study appearing in the peer-reviewed Journal of Nutrition shows that consuming grapes protected against the destruction of insulin-producing cells (known as beta cells) in the pancreas, significantly reducing the incidence of diabetes in lab rodents. Naturally occurring antioxidants in grapes known as polyphenols are believed to be responsible for this beneficial impact.

The results of this study showed that grapes reduced the infiltration of immune cells into the islets of Langerhans, the specific area of the pancreas where the insulin-producing beta cells reside, thus preventing their damaging effects on the beta cells. Grapes also reduced the levels of an inflammatory protein in spleen cells, known as TNF-alpha.

Protective effect

"The protective effect of grapes was quite significant and very exciting," said principal investigator Susan J Zunino, Ph.D. of the USDA Agricultural Research Service's Western Human Nutrition Research Center in Davis, California where the study was conducted. "In this study, we observed firsthand their effect on two of three critical components for the prevention of type I diabetes: the preservation of the beta cells and the inhibition of inflammation. “Other studies have shown that quercetin and anthocyanins, which are phytonutrients present in grapes, enhanced insulin secretion and sensitivity, which is the third critical component."  

Consume whole fruit

Leading health experts agree that to get the benefit of phytonutrients found in foods, such as the polyphenols in grapes, it is best to consume the whole fruit as opposed to a supplement. Fresh grapes provide an array of natural antioxidant compounds including polyphenols, such as resveratrol, and other biologically active compounds in their natural environment, all of which may either contribute to the beneficial effects or provide the optimal conditions for a certain phytonutrient to exert its particular individual benefit. "This study further reinforces the growing evidence that grapes have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that appear to offer significant health benefits across a number of disease states," said Kathleen Nave, president of the California Table Grape Commission.
   
Grapes don't just taste great but are also packed with polynutrients that enhance health and protect against heart ailments and cancer. Rich in Vitamin C, intake of grapes reduces production of malondialhyde, a byproduct of oxidation and thus delays ageing. So go on, pop that wonderful fruit in your mouth!