Grapes Protect Against Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of symptoms that includes increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, low HDL and high blood triglycerides, all linked to inflammation. The syndrome raises the risk for heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.

Study finding: Obesity-prone rats that were fed red, green and black grapes for 90 days had significantly lower inflammation markers, especially in liver and abdominal fat tissue.

Best: Eat 15 to 20 grapes per day.