In a news release from Elivira Gonzalez de Meija, an assistant professor in the food science and nutrition department at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, grapes’ flavonoid-rich content were touted as a means to potentially stop cancer spread.
The team of researchers involved in this study discovered 10 previously unidentified flavonoids in grapes. Nothing spectacular, until you find out about the synergistic efforts of this new group of flavonoids. Working together, these new flavonoids help to inhibit the action of metalloproteinaise enzymes. These enzymes are responsible for cell growth and reproduction—a necessary part of life. But when these enzymes are overproduced, they can contribute to the growth and spread of cancerous cells in the body. By inhibiting the action of these enzymes, these new flavonoids in effect “kill” cancer cells by stopping their growth.
The kicker is, however, that these flavonoids have to work together. “We’re getting direct evidence that these components in grapes work synergistically in fighting cancer,” reported de Meija. “They have to work together to obtain the potency that works.” The only way to get all of these flavonoids is to eat the whole grape—no wine, juice, extracts, or supplements. “It’s very clear that the synergy is critical,” continues de Meija. “The findings add to the argument for eating whole foods.”
We might be elevating it to superhero status, but resveratrol also plays a role in cancer prevention. Promising research has been conducted on resveratrol’s ability to prevent cellular events in prostate, breast, lung, and liver cancer.
Grapes and Microbes
Just one more tidbit. In a study conducted at Erciyes University in Turkey, scientists found that grape extracts had an effective antimicrobial action against certain bacteria, including E. coli and Staph.
White vs. Red
When it comes to choosing grapes, at least for their health benefits, there doesn’t seem to be much difference in which you choose. Admittedly, most studies have been done comparing red and white wines, but the same should hold true for the actual fruit. Each has its pros, but if you’re looking for the health benefits found in grapes, either should be fine.