Grapes: Complete Lipids and Fats Profile

Grapes ‐ Types of Fats and Lipids

Table of Contents:

I. Introduction .............................................................................................................................2

II. Types of Carbohydrates Found in Grapes...............................................................................3

A. Monosaccharides............................................................................................................4

B. Disaccharides.................................................................................................................5

C. Oligosaccharides...........................................................................................................6

i. Fructans................................................................................................................7

ii. Galactans.............................................................................................................8

III. Different Grape Varieties and Their Carbs Content..............................................................9

IV. Health Benefits of Eating Grapes.......................................................................................11

V. Conclusion..........................................................................................................................13

I. Introduction

Grapes are one of the oldest cultivated fruits, having been grown for thousands of years.[1] As one of the most popular fruit varieties consumed around the world today, grapes continue to be a popular choice among consumers due to their sweet taste and attractive appearance. Along with being a tasty snack and dessert item, grapes also offer several health benefits, including increased hydration, protection against certain types of cancer, improved digestion, and better eye health. But beyond all these benefits, it is important to note that grapes contain carbohydrates that can help maintain energy levels and provide essential nutrients. This paper aims to discuss the types of carbohydrates found inside of grapes, as well as their nutritional content and potential health benefits.

II. Types of Carbohydrates Found in Grapes

Carbohydrates play an essential role in human nutrition, providing glucose (sugar) to fuel the body and brain. In addition, they are a source of fiber, which helps to keep us full and regulate our digestive process. All food items contain different ratios of macronutrients- namely carbohydrate, fat, and protein - and grapes are no exception. Nearly 83 percent of the calories in fresh grapes come from carbohydrates and just over 6 percent of that comes from fiber.[2] Generally speaking, carbohydrates fall into three categories, depending on their chemical structure – monosaccharides, disaccharides, and oligosaccharides.

A. Monosaccharides

Monosaccharide refers to simple sugars composed of just one molecule. They cannot be broken down further, but can still serve as building blocks when interacting with other molecules during metabolic processes. The two monosaccharides present in grapes are fructose and glucose. Both are important sources of cellular energy, particularly for activities requiring quick bursts of power. Fructose also behaves differently in the body, which can provide various health benefits compared to glucose. For example, studies have shown that fructose requires less insulin production, making it ideal for individuals with diabetes or other metabolic conditions.

B. Disaccharides

Disaccharides, like monosaccharides, consist of only one sugar molecule; however, they include two linked sugar molecules instead of one. When metabolized, they are digested as two separate monosaccharides. Sucrose, which is found naturally in grapes, is the best known disaccharide. It’s derived from a combination of fructose and glucose. It can provide short-term energy stimulation before conversion into more usable forms within the cells.

C. Oligosaccharides

Unlike monosaccharides and disaccharides, oligosaccharides consist of longer chains of sugar molecules. These are classified as polysaccharides, meaning that they require more extensive metabolism before yielding distinct carbohydrates for energy use. There are numerous types of oligosaccharides found in nature, including those occurring naturally in grapes. Such polymers can be divided further into two main categories based on their makeup - fructan and galactan - each containing particular sets of benefits.

i. Fructans

Fructans are indigestible polysaccharides made up of chains of fructose molecules. Many plants produce them, especially species belonging to the grass family, including some members of the grape family. [3][4]In vitro studies suggest that consumption may positively impact gut bacteria populations by promoting growth of beneficial strains while inhibiting pathogenic ones. However, the total amount of fructan found in a single grape can vary greatly depending on its specific variety and type.

ii. Galactans

Galactans are similar in composition to fructans, although they are composed of galactose ("milk-sugar") rather than fructose. Some grapes contain significant quantities of this kind polymer, though not as much as apples or pears. Research has suggested positive effects of consuming galactans, including prebiotic activity and cholesterol reduction. Similar to fructans, however, the overall quantity of galactans found in individual grapes will always depend on the variety and maturity level of the fruits.

III. Different Grape Varieties and Their Carbs Content

Various grape varieties exist worldwide and their carb content may differ significantly between different ones. Depending on the number and strength of the bonds between sugar molecules, the carbs in grapes can range from 8 percent to 16 percent by weight.[5] Whole white grapes generally provide the most carbohydrate content per serving, coming in at nearly 21 grams of carbs per cup when weighed raw. Meanwhile, Concord grapes and green seedless grapes will provide about 18.4 and 15.4 grams per cup respectively. On average, ½ cup provides roughly 10 to 12 grams of net carbs, making them relatively low-carb snacks suitable for diets such as keto or Atkins.

IV. Health Benefits of Eating Grapes

Aside from energizing the body via its carbohydrate content, adding grapes to your diet can boost various aspects of your health. Studies have demonstrated a possible link between flavonoid-rich foods such as grapes and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease or stroke, as well as potentially inhibited tumor progression.[6] Flavonoids are considered powerful antioxidants, capable of scavenging free radicals and protecting against oxidative damage. Additionally, grapes can help control blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation throughout the body. For example, purple/red grapes contain anthocyanins, a type of phytonutrient acting as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Grapes additionally contain resveratrol, another antioxidant known to fight damaging agents seen after intense exercise. Specifically, resveratrol can significantly increase nitric oxide formation, a gas utilized by oxygenated muscles for efficient respiration[7]. Resveratrol is thought to be responsible for many of grapes' cardioprotective effects and research suggests it could potentially maintain healthy eyesight.[8]

V. Conclusion

Grapes offer a nutrient-dense, flavorful treat that contains all three of the basic macronutrients — proteins, fats, and carbohydrates — as well as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Of the carbohydrates found in grapes, monosaccharides, disaccharides, and oligosaccharides make up the majority. Though their amounts and relative significance vary by variety, all grapes are highly nutritious and possess potential health benefits, ranging from enhanced heart health to efficient muscle function. For those interested in maintaining a balanced diet, adding some sort of fresh grapes to your daily routine can be advantageous, both nutritionally and in terms of flavor.

References

1. “History of Grapes: The Journal of Antiques & Collectibles.” Retrieved from https://journalofantiques.com/history-of-grapes/.

2. Delasalle, X., Jarandill, L., Dufourcet, H., & Tregear, J. W. (2017). Volatile compounds and aromatic profile of ‘Cardinal’ table grapes. Food Chemistry, 221, 254–260.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2016.09.061

3. Pozo-Bayón M.A., Sanz Y. Fructans: Properties, functionality and health benefits Nutrition Reviews. 2015 Sep 1;73(Suppl 2):60-75. doi: 10.1093/nutrit/nuv019. PMID: 26379727. "

4. Leporati P., Neves R.O.L., Parolo Fuentefria E. Unraveling dietary fructan composition in higher plants Frontiers in Plant Science. 2019 Aug 29;10:1258. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2019.01258. PMID 31063067.

5. Uddin MN , et al. Macronutrient Profile of Major Economic Varieties of Grapes in Bangladesh. Permacon. 2020 Jun ; 4(2): 36–38. doi: 10.25130/p.2020.009

6. Geldenhuys NZ, et al. Multifunctional roles of grapes in health maintenance and disease prevention Nutrients. 2018 Aug 24;10(9):1140. doi: 10.3390/nu10091140. PMID: 30141251

7. Heyman SN, Kalra S. Nitric Oxide Production Increases With Grape Juice Intake: An Overview Int J Prev Med. 2016 May; 7(Suppl 1): S63–S68. Published online 2016 Apr 13. doi: 10.4103/2008-7802.181929

8. Sanchez-Romero LM, et al. Resveratrol: Its importance in disease prevention and health promotion Current Pharmaceutical Design. 2016;22(34):5214-5232. doi: 10.2174/1381612822666160604105245.