Grape Consumption Correlates to Healthier Dietary Pattern

Previously, nutritional scientists have reported that fruit contributes to dietary nutrient density and that the consumption of fruit in several forms (whole, dried, or 100% juice) may be associated with a healthier dietary pattern.  James E. Painter, from Eastern Illinois University (Illinois, USA), and colleagues assessed whether grapes and grape products exert such an effect.  Researchers analyzed the diets of more than 21,800 children and adults using data from the 2003-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and found that consumers of grapes and grape products had increased intakes of total and whole fruit, as well as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, dietary fiber, calcium, magnesium, and potassium versus non-consumers.  As well, adult grape and grape product consumers also had increased intakes of vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds along with lower intakes of added sugars, total fat, saturated fat and cholesterol, versus non-consumers.   The study authors report that: “Consumption of grape products is associated with a healthier dietary pattern and higher intake of key nutrients by both children and adults.”