Latest news with #JohnPezzuto
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Health
- Newsweek
Popular Fruit is Overlooked Superfood, Researcher Claims
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Fresh grapes may be overlooked nutritional powerhouses that are deserving of "superfood" status. This is the argument laid out by biochemist professor John Pezzuto of Massachusetts' Western New England University in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, who explains how eating grapes can bring health benefits. While the term "superfood" lacks a formal definition or established criteria, Pezzuto notes that such typically refers to foods that are rich in beneficial plant compounds, like those commonly found in the Mediterranean diet. Mainstream superfoods include berries, leafy greens, nuts, olive oil and legumes, among others. A stock image shows a person snacking on a juicy grape. A stock image shows a person snacking on a juicy grape. getty images Grapes are a natural source of more than 1,600 compounds—including antioxidants and other polyphenols such as flavonoids, anthocyanidins, catechins, phenolic acids, resveratrol. Polyphenols are primarily credited with the health benefits of grapes thanks to their antioxidant activity and effect on cellular processes. According to Pezzuto, more than sixty peer-reviewed studies have linked grape consumption with positive outcomes across the body, from boosting cardiovascular and , brain to helping out the skin, gut and more. Grapes have been proven to promote the relaxation of blood vessels as well as healthy circulation, as well as modulating cholesterol levels. They also enhance UV resistance, reduce DNA damage in skin cells, and increase gut microbiome diversity. Moreover, grape consumption has been shown to positively alter gene expression. One study published in the journal Food Production, Processing and Nutrition has even associated grape consumption with a decreased risk of chronic diseases, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers. Packed with vitamins C and K, as well as potassium, these fruit can also help protect the immune system—and thanks to their water content they can be a great way to keep hydrated. Pezzuto's study has been publicized by the California Table Grape Commission, which acts to maintain and expand markets for fresh California grapes. Commission president Ian LeMay said in a statement: "Dr. Pezzuto shows that based on the science, grapes are indeed a superfood, and should be recognized as such, and we are hopeful that using this nomenclature in association with grapes becomes common practice." Do you have a health story to share with Newsweek? Do you have a question about superfoods? Let us know via science@ References de Almeida Sousa Cruz, M. A., de Barros Elias, M., Calina, D., Sharifi-Rad, J., & Teodoro, A. J. (2024). Insights into grape-derived health benefits: A comprehensive overview. Food Production, Processing and Nutrition, 6(1), 91. Pezzuto, J. M. (2025). Perspective: Are Grapes Worthy of the Moniker Superfood? Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
Yahoo
16-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Eating this fruit can improve muscle health ‘at the genetic level': researchers
Here's how to age like a fine wine. Everyone loses muscle mass as they get older. Sarcopenia is a significant loss of muscle mass and strength, which increases the risk of falls, hospitalization, less independence and premature death. Researchers from Rutgers and other universities may have found a simple and tasty approach to maintaining muscle along with exercise and high-protein diets — grapes. 'This study provides compelling evidence that grapes have the potential to enhance muscle health at the genetic level,' said John Pezzuto, senior investigator of the new study and dean of pharmacy and health sciences at Western New England University. 'Given their safety profile and widespread availability, it will be exciting to explore how quickly these changes can be observed in human trials,' he added. The US consumes billions of pounds of grapes annually. The sweet fruit is a good source of fiber, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals, with potential health benefits for the heart, kidneys, eyes, skin and gastrointestinal system. The authors of the new study found that consuming the equivalent of two servings of grapes a day altered over 20,000 genes in elderly mice, significantly influencing how their muscles generate energy to function. Genes tied to lean muscle mass were elevated, while genes linked to muscle deterioration were suppressed. Female mice saw greater benefits than male mice, according to the study. The mice consumed 5% grape powder, which is around 1.5 cups of fresh grapes for humans. The research — published last week in the scientific journal Foods — was supported in part by the California Table Grape Commission, a trade group. Pezzuto's team plans to study how and why these genetic changes happen and if they can be replicated in humans. In the meantime, other foods that can help build and maintain muscle include lean meats, fish, eggs, Greek yogurt, quinoa, beans and milk.
