Washington, Oct 11: Grape consumption in the form of fresh grapes, grape juice and even raisins can increase your nutrient intake and help you maintain a healthy lifestyle, a new study has claimed.
Researchers looked at the association of grape consumption in its non—alcoholic forms with the diet quality of a nationally representative sample of US children and adults.
The study found that consumption of grapes and grape products is associated with healthier dietary patterns and increased nutrient intake.
Researchers analysed the diets of more than 21,800 children and adults using data from the 2003—2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) and found that consumers of grapes and grape products had increased intakes of total and whole fruit, as well as dietary fiber, calcium, magnesium, potassium and vitamins A, C, and Bv(6), versus non-consumers.
Adult grape and grape product consumers also had increased intakes of vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds along with lower intakes of total fat, saturated fat and cholesterol, versus non-consumers.
The results of the study were presented at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Food and Nutrition Conference and Exposition (FNCE) in Philadelphia.
“It is interesting to note that not only did grape consumers have increased intakes of healthy foods, critical vitamins and minerals but grape consumers also ate less of the unhealthy foods, specifically solid fat and added sugars,” said presenter Carla McGill.
“It reinforces the association between grapes and a healthier diet, which is good news for consumers,” said Jean—Mari Peltier, Executive Director of the National Grape and Wine Initiative (NGWI).
