Frequently, when we think about food and lowering cholesterol, we think about what we need to cut out, not what to include. We avoid things heavy in cholesterol and replace them with cholesterol-free options, not thinking about how certain foods can fight high cholesterol levels. But grapes are not only cholesterol-free: they may actually lower cholesterol!

Grapes are a delicious and nutritious fruit with 104 calories per cup, under 28 carbs and almost 1.5 grams of fiber. A cup also has over a quarter of your vitamin C and vitamin K for the day. They are jam-packed with antioxidants that can help prevent disease. Grapes also contain resveratrol, a compound with anti-cancer benefits. In fact, grape extract has been shown to block the growth of cancer in test-tube research. That find has been backed up in mice studies and small human trials.

Being low calorie and very moreish, you can easily eat enough of the fruit to aid your health! When a food isn’t a chore, it’s so nice to add it to your diet: no cooking or cutting. You just wash them and enjoy! We think that’s a bonus to any food. While we love learning new recipes and techniques, but sometimes it’s nice just to enjoy a simple fruit that takes no effort. They also help brain health, vision, blood sugar, bone health, the immune system and more.

Grapes can help the heart in multiple ways. Their high amount of potassium can improve blood pressure and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. A study with over 12,000 participants saw that people who ate a high amount of potassium where far less likely to die from a heart problem than those who ate less.

Three polyphenolic compounds found in the grape — catechin, epicatechin and gallic acid — impede the liver’s production of cholesterol. They do so by volume; the more grapes you eat, the better the results. One or two cups of grapes can also lower inflammation and aid tissues.

Grapes are rich in pectin, a soluble fiber that helps lower LDL. In fact, pectin can lower cholesterol by 10 percent! They also contain pterostilbene. It can reduce both cholesterol and triglycerides.

Grapes are found in supermarkets all year round, making them easy and accessible. They are frequently on sale and always delicious. We suggest adding grapes to your shopping cart today and letting the tasty fruit help you naturally!