Why Grapes Might Deserve a Spot Among Superfoods? Study Explores - Video

A new article published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry is making the case for fresh grapes to be officially recognized as a superfood. Written by Dr. John M. Pezzuto, a prominent resveratrol and cancer researcher and Dean of the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at Western New England University, the article argues that grapes meet and exceed the loose criteria often applied to so-called superfoods.

While the term “superfood” lacks a formal scientific definition, it is commonly used to describe foods that are particularly rich in nutrients and associated with multiple health benefits. These foods often include berries, nuts, and vegetables that are staples of the Mediterranean diet. Dr. Pezzuto believes that grapes are often overlooked in this category despite compelling scientific evidence supporting their health benefits.

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