The Mirror: Grapes Protect the Body From the World’s Leading Cause of Death

Eating just one sweet fruit as a snack may help prevent a heart attack or stroke, according to the results of a new study reported by The Mirror.

The fruit in question is grapes—a food rich in biologically active compounds that improve gut microbiota health and lower cholesterol levels.

The study found that just four weeks of regular grape consumption produced noticeable effects in people whose diets were low in vegetables. Such a simple dietary change could potentially reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death worldwide.

Grapes contain powerful antioxidants that help reduce inflammation. The study’s lead researcher, Professor Zhaoping Li of the University of California, Los Angeles, said: “Grapes increase the diversity of gut bacteria and lower cholesterol levels.”

Scientists observed participants aged 21 to 55 who ate the equivalent of about 40 grapes per day, or two servings, while maintaining a diet low in fiber and plant compounds known as polyphenols—both before and during the experiment. After just one month, the diversity of the microbiome—the community of trillions of microorganisms vital to health—rose significantly.

Levels of “bad” cholesterol dropped by nearly 8 percent, while bile acids that contribute to cholesterol buildup decreased by more than 40 percent. These harmful fats can lead to the formation of blood clots that block vessels and disrupt blood flow to the heart or brain.

Among the bacteria that increased in abundance was Akkermansia, a microorganism capable of breaking down sugar and cholesterol and strengthening the intestinal lining. “We found that grapes have a beneficial effect on the gut microbiota, and a healthy gut is crucial for overall well-being,” Professor Li emphasized.

According to him, the study broadens understanding of the health benefits of grapes and supports their positive impact on heart health, including their ability to lower cholesterol. Earlier research has also linked grapes to combating age-related weight gain and improving libido.

“Grapes are a rich source of polyphenols and fiber. Overall, our findings provide new preliminary evidence of the effects of grapes on the gut microbiome, cholesterol levels, and bile acid metabolism,” Professor Li concluded.

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