Researchers at Pierre-Benit University reported that polyphenols found in grapes may slow the expansion of fat tissue during periods of overconsumption by restricting the growth of blood vessels within adipose tissue. The findings appeared in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry [Citation: Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry].
Polyphenols comprise a diverse family of plant compounds known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. In broader terms, these compounds have shown potential benefits for heart health and metabolic disorders, with a growing body of evidence pointing to their positive role in cardiovascular risk reduction and obesity-related conditions.
The study enrolled 42 healthy male participants who were not overweight at the outset. For 31 days, each participant consumed calories amounting to 50 percent more than their total daily energy expenditure. The energy surplus was achieved through the daily addition of energy-dense foods such as soft drinks, bread, chocolate, and chips.
Participants were randomly assigned to two groups. One group received placebo capsules, while the other received a daily dose of 2 grams of grape polyphenols. Throughout the trial, abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue samples were collected for analysis.
Analyses revealed that the expression of 41 genes linked to blood vessel formation shifted in the polyphenol group. Specifically, the investigators observed a reduction in the density of microvessels within adipose tissue among those who ingested grape polyphenols. The data suggest that polyphenols may modulate the vascular network that supports adipose tissue expansion during caloric excess.
Overall, scientists suggest that grape-derived polyphenols have the potential to dampen the rise in adipose tissue associated with overfeeding, which could have implications for managing weight gain and metabolic health in contexts of increased caloric intake [Citation: Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry].