*A new grape variety, Boombites, is poised to transform snacking with its striking black exterior and deep red flesh.
Developed by Bloom Fresh through meticulous cross-breeding of wine and table grapes, these grapes combine high antioxidant levels with a sweet, crunchy texture. Their vibrant color comes from anthocyanins, the same potent antioxidant found in blueberries, while also boasting significant resveratrol content, The Express reports.
“Blueberries are widely recognized as a superfruit due to their high antioxidant levels, and regular consumption is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, so it’s fantastic that we now also have a red berry grape variety that’s naturally sweet and crunchy, offering comparable levels of antioxidants and an impressive amount of resveratrol, providing another tasty option for supporting health,” said dietitian Nichola Ludlam-Raine.
The creation of Boombites involved labor-intensive pollination, often performed by former embroiderers, to ensure precision. By cross-breeding small, resveratrol-rich wine grapes with large, seedless table grapes, researchers achieved a unique nutritional profile. University of Murcia studies found Boombites contain three times more resveratrol than blueberries and exhibit reduced glucose absorption despite similar sugar levels.
Scroll to continue reading
“This means that while new red berry grapes are sweet to taste, the combination of phenols they contain alters the way that these sugars are transported and absorbed in the gut,” explained Dr. Nisa Aslam, a GP on the Red Berry Grape Advisory Board.
This metabolic advantage, tied to the grapes’ high polyphenol and fiber content, could impact weight control and insulin response. “This may have major implications for weight control, insulin response and dietary advice around fruit consumption, with consumers restricting intakes of fruits rich in antioxidants because of concerns about sugar,” Dr. Aslam noted. Consumer research shows 60% of adults aim to cut sugar intake, and 70% consider tracking glycemic index.
The grapes’ “food matrix” enhances nutrient absorption, similar to whole versus processed nuts. “The food matrix is simply the physical structure of the foods we eat, how this influences the way we absorb different nutrients – and how this can be altered when food is processed rather than eaten in its natural form,” Ludlam-Raine explained.
With heart-protective qualities, Boombites could reduce cardiovascular disease risk by 46%, offering a delicious, health-conscious snack.
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: 8 Nutrient-Packed Foods Dietitians Recommend to Lower High Blood Pressure
Sign up for our Free daily newsletter HERE.
