Grapes may benefit fat, glucose metabolism in cells
Boston, Massachusetts, suggests that grape polyphenols can increase the action of genes that promote healthy fat metabolism and glucose uptake within fat cells.
The study, undertaken by Texas Woman’s University, showed that grape polyphenols could promote the beneficial utilization of fat and glucose by fat cells, which is critical to overall health. Too much circulating glucose in the blood (high blood sugar) is also known as diabetes, and this can result in damage to blood vessels in the eyes, kidneys, heart and feet. High levels of free fatty acids in the blood can result in fat accumulating in organs such as the liver, pancreas and spleen causing inflammation and dysfunction that is detrimental to health.
In this study, the grape polyphenols increased the glucose uptake by the fat cells by increasing the amount of a glucose transport protein (GLUT4) on the cell membrane, which facilitates the transport of glucose into the cell. Grape polyphenols also increased the expression and action of multiple genes that regulate fat cell metabolism and maturation, to facilitate optimal fat usage and storage, and to prevent insulin resistance.
“Grape polyphenols appear to play a key role in promoting optimal fat and glucose metabolism at the cellular level,” said lead investigator Nancy DiMarco, Ph.D., R.D.
“This is a critical area for health, affecting systems throughout the body.”
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Courtney Romano
Grapes from California
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