The gut microbiome consists of more than 3 million genes and billions upon billions of microorganisms. These impact the overall health and well-being of humans. A new study has analyzed the microbiome composition as well as urinary and plasma metabolites.
The study, published in Scientific Reports, looked into the potential of grapes to modulate the human microbiome. During the grape consumption phase of the study, subjects ate 2 1/4 cups of grapes per day.
Dr. John Pezzuto, lead author of the study: "Over the years, we have learned that consumption of grapes has the potential to mediate an amazing cadre of health benefits. Data suggest health improvements in heart, colon, brain, skin, and more. We now know that grapes can change the chemicals in the microbiome. As these chemicals have access to all of our body organs it is logical to conclude that this leads to some of the health benefits that have now been established."