January 28, 2026, 3:39 pm | Read time: 5 minutes
Although grapes are relatively high in sugar compared to other types of fruit, they also contain various nutrients that are beneficial to health. The results of a new study now provide yet more reasons to eat grapes regularly—especially for women who want to help maintain their muscles.
When you think of foods that help to build or maintain muscle mass, you probably think of protein sources such as chicken or, as a vegetarian option, low-fat quark. However, the fruit and vegetable section also contains one or two plant-based sources of nutrients that can contribute to muscle health. In addition to watermelon and beetroot, for example, grapes are also worth mentioning. These contain the plant substance resveratrol, which has been shown to promote muscle growth, especially in combination with targeted training.1 A recent study has now investigated the influence of grapes on muscles in general. And its results suggest that eating grapes may be able to counteract age-related muscle loss.
Overview
Study on the Potential of Grapes Against Muscle Atrophy
From around the age of 30, the body begins to lose muscle mass and strength. This process, known as muscle atrophy (technical term: sarcopenia), progresses with increasing age. Those affected notice it themselves, not least because more work and a higher protein intake are required for their strength training to have an effect. Women in particular, who are generally more affected by the effects of hormonal changes, find it even more difficult to maintain, let alone build muscle, from menopause onwards.
The question of what means can be used to help maintain muscle mass is therefore important for a large proportion of the population. It has been a subject of scientific interest for some time. The basis of the study presented here was the high proportion of health-promoting plant substances in grapes, or more precisely, their mode of action. These substances could help prevent various diseases, as stated in the introduction to the study.2 They do not act through chemical reactions, but by directly influencing the genes of consumers. The research team, led by Dr. John Pezzuto from Western New England University, Massachusetts, wanted to find out how long-term consumption of grapes affects gene activity, especially in muscle tissue.
Details of the Study
The researchers worked with 480 breeding mice—half females, half males. They divided the animals into four groups, or the females and males into two groups each. Of these, one group received normal food and the other a special food with added grapes. The amounts administered in the grape groups were equivalent to 252 grams of the food per day in humans, the study authors explained.
When the mice were one year old, the scientists divided them into only two groups: A standard food group and one that also received grape powder. After a total of 2.5 years, the mice had now reached around 80 years of human life, and they examined muscle tissue samples from the test animals.
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Results: Better Muscle Gene Activity Thanks to Grapes
The analysis showed clear differences in gene activity in the muscles of the different groups. It was particularly noteworthy that the genetic patterns of the female animals whose food had contained a grape supplement were closer to those of the male mice. Why is this positive? In males, testosterone plays an important role in muscle development and contributes to increased muscle mass and function. Aligning the gene patterns of female mice with those of male mice could also be associated with a better ability to maintain muscle mass.
And indeed. In the mice in question, out of 25 key genes that play a role in muscle activity, eleven had increased activity—those associated with lean muscle mass. However, ten other genes, which the researchers found to be associated with a reduction in muscle mass, reduced their activity. The team interpreted this as evidence of improved muscle health.
Significance of the Study – and Limitations
“This study provides compelling evidence that grapes have the potential to improve muscle health at the genetic level,” explained study author Dr. John Pezzuto in a press release.3 However, the observations are so far based solely on experiments with animals and cells. The authors are now planning further research on humans, from which they expect “exciting” findings. The use of grapes to support muscle maintenance would be a promising, low-risk, and readily available measure, they emphasize.
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Important note
The study was partially funded by the California Table Grape Commission. This represents the interests of Californian table grape producers and is itself supported by levies from grape growers. The fact that the organization benefits from positive research results does not automatically mean that the results are biased. However, it cannot be completely ruled out either. The study documentation emphasizes that the commission had no influence on the design, evaluation, or publication of the study.