Scientists at Western New England University found that eating grapes alters the gut microbiome, improving health. The results of the work were published in the journal Scientific Reports.

During the study, the authors focused on the effects of grapes on the gut microbiome. This organ is known to contain billions of microorganisms that affect overall health. For eight weeks, experts analyzed the composition of the microbiome in 29 men (age 24-55 years) and women (age 29-53 years). Participants were asked to limit their diet for two weeks, then eat grapes (equivalent to three servings of a berry a day) for two weeks, and then not eat them again.

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The analysis showed that the number of bacteria in the intestines, the level of enzymes and biological pathways after eating grapes changed, and this had a positive effect on the state of the heart, colon, brain, skin and general health indicators.

In particular, on the 30th day of the experiment (after eating grapes), the level of Streptococcus thermophiles, a probiotic that produces lactic acid in the intestine, was increased. At the same time, the number of Holdemania bacteria was reduced, as it occurs in those who follow a vegetarian diet. When comparing the 30-day period with the 60-day period, a consistent increase in the number of organisms associated with the production of metabolites was noted.