Health-promoting Effects of Grape Bioactive Phytochemicals

The dietary styles rich in plant functional foods and beverages is mentioned to have reduced incidence of chronic diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases and neurodegenerative disorders and Mediterranean diet is indicated to have health-promoting effects. The bioactive phytochemicals in functional foods, also known as nutraceuticals has been ascribed to the observed health benefits. Grape products that include grape and wine are important components of the Mediterranean diet and help to prevent aging-related diseases. The chemistry of grape is complex and it consists of phenylpropanoids, isoprenoids and alkaloids and the structure-activity relationship of phenylpropanoids, such as resveratrol and flavonoids has been studied due to their cancer chemoprevention, cardioprotection and free radical-scavenging properties. The grape phytochemicals, resveratrol and melatonin are stated to have anti-aging effects because of their antimutagenic and antioxidant activities. The neuroprotective properties grape products are elaborated with moderate consumption of red wine being associated with lower incidence of Alzheimer's disease.