Grapes Reduce Health Risk, New Study Finds

A worker harvests grapes at a vineyard in the Georgian village of Arkhiloskalo some 150 kilometers outside of Tbilisi, on September 20, 2020. Photo: AFP.
A worker harvests grapes at a vineyard in the Georgian village of Arkhiloskalo some 150 kilometers outside of Tbilisi, on September 20, 2020. Photo: AFP.
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Grapes Reduce Health Risk, New Study Finds

A worker harvests grapes at a vineyard in the Georgian village of Arkhiloskalo some 150 kilometers outside of Tbilisi, on September 20, 2020. Photo: AFP.
A worker harvests grapes at a vineyard in the Georgian village of Arkhiloskalo some 150 kilometers outside of Tbilisi, on September 20, 2020. Photo: AFP.

Looking for a snack? Well, have some grapes. As our terrible pun suggests, grapes might be the fruit to go for. That’s not just because they’re tasty, to be clear. According to a report by The Metro newspaper, a new study has found that snacking on grapes could lower your risk of heart attack or stroke.

This is because – as with most fruit and veggies – grapes are loaded with nutrients that can improve health. Specifically, the research suggests that grapes are a ‘superfood’ thanks to chemicals that boost gut bacteria and lower cholesterol. The research team tracked 19 people between the ages of 21 to 55, asking them to consume around 40 grapes a day.

These participants were on a diet that was otherwise low in fiber and plant chemicals (polyphenols), so the scientists could focus in on the benefits of grapes alone. Within a month, the diversity of the group’s gut microbiome was higher, which is a fancier way of saying that inside their tummy were loads more healthy bacteria. Even better, they had almost 8 percent less ‘bad’ cholesterol, and levels of beneficial bacteria Akkermansia – which burns up sugar and cholesterol – increased.

Lead author Professor Zhaoping Li, of the University of California, Los Angeles, said: “We found grapes have a beneficial effect on gut bacteria, which is great news, since a healthy gut is critical to good health. This study deepens our knowledge and expands the range of health benefits for grapes. It reinforces the heart health benefits of grapes, which include lowering cholesterol.”

Now, it’s worth noting that this study is teeny-tiny, and the researchers didn’t repeat their findings with other fruit and veggies to definitively declare which one is the absolute best. So please don’t go on an all-grape diet and think you’re doing yourself a load of good – you’re not. Variety is key. But if you do fancy adding some grapes to your afternoon snack of biscuits, that could be a great shout.



Saudi Arabia Wins Grand Prix, Scores Record Haul at Geneva Exhibition of Inventions

A total of 161 Saudi innovators vied for international recognition - SPA
A total of 161 Saudi innovators vied for international recognition - SPA
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Saudi Arabia Wins Grand Prix, Scores Record Haul at Geneva Exhibition of Inventions

A total of 161 Saudi innovators vied for international recognition - SPA
A total of 161 Saudi innovators vied for international recognition - SPA

Saudi Arabia has achieved a historic triumph at the 50th Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions, securing the prestigious Grand Prix, awarded to Dr. Saad Alenezi of Majmaah University.

This landmark achievement is further amplified by the remarkable success of other Saudi innovators, who garnered six international awards and 124 global medals.

This unprecedented performance marks a new pinnacle for the Saudi education sector since the exhibition's inception.
The Kingdom's strong presence at the event included 134 scientific inventions, competing among over 1,000 innovations from 35 countries.

A total of 161 Saudi innovators, representing general and higher education, technical training institutions, and university faculty, vied for international recognition, SPA reported.
Grand Prix recipient Dr. Saad Alenezi expressed profound gratitude for the leadership's unwavering support of innovators, emphasizing that this victory underscores the Kingdom's commitment to fostering innovation and empowering national talent.
Echoing this sentiment, the student innovators conveyed their immense pride and appreciation for the encouragement received, expressing their joy in representing Saudi Arabia and raising its flag at such a prominent global innovation platform.