Why Grapes Might Deserve a Spot Among Superfoods? Study Explores

To build his case, Pezzuto highlights the unique chemical composition of grapes. “Grapes are a natural source of over 1,600 compounds, including antioxidants and other polyphenols such as flavonoids, anthocyanidins, catechins, phenolic acids, resveratrol, and more,” he writes. He emphasizes that the health effects come not from any single compound, but from the synergistic action of the entire grape matrix.

Citing over 60 peer-reviewed studies, the article outlines grapes’ positive impact on cardiovascular, brain, skin, gut, and eye health. Grapes have been shown to promote blood vessel relaxation, improve circulation, and modulate cholesterol levels. Clinical trials also suggest benefits for brain metabolism, resistance to UV damage in skin, microbiome diversity, and even retinal health. Notably, Pezzuto points to findings in nutrigenomics showing that grape consumption can beneficially alter gene expression in several body systems, suggesting that “these activities at the genetic level that are likely the driving force behind the health benefits of grapes.”

Reference: Pezzuto, John M. (2025). Perspective: Are Grapes Worthy of the Moniker Superfood? J. Agric. Food Chem. Doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.5c05738