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Grapes shown to protect against diabetes
Saturday, July 28, 2007
By For The Madera Tribune
A new study shows that consuming grapes protects against the destruction of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas and significantly reducing diabetes in rodents. Naturally occurring antioxidants in grapes, polyphenols, are showing a beneficial impact, according to reseachers.
"The protective effect of grapes was quite significant and very exciting," said Susan J. Zunino, Ph.D. of USDA Agricultural Research Service at UC Davis where the study was conducted.
"We observed firsthand their effect on two of three critical components for the prevention of type I diabetes: the preservation of the beta cells and the inhibition of inflammation."
Other studies have pointed out that phyto-nutrients present in grapes enhance insulin secretion and sensitivity, which is the third critical component.
"Clearly more studies need to be done to fully define the mechanisms of action for the grapes and their potential as a dietary intervention for diabetes," Zunino said.
Results of the study show grapes have reduced the infiltration of immune cells into a specific area of the pancreas where insulin-producing beta cells reside, thus preventing their damaging effects on beta cells. Grapes were also shown to reduce the level of an inflammatory protein in spleen cells.
Ramona Frances of The Madera Tribune contributed to this article
