Does grape juice contain functional components and if so, can they affect our health?

Spain

Grape juice is a food and is therefore primarily consumed for its nutritional characteristics (e.g. energy value, nutrients). Purple grape juice contains several vitamins (most important: vitamin C), minerals, as well as flavonoids (quercetin, myricetin and anthocyanins). Flavonoids are phenolic compounds that are widespread in commonly consumed fruits and vegetables such as apples and onions and beverages derived from plants like tea. Thousands of flavonoids are distributed throughout the plant world and many have antioxidant functions. Recent research reports a range of health-beneficial effects from antioxidants in the diet. Due to the protection they confer against oxidative damage caused by free radicals and general physiological activities, they may play a significant role in preventing diseases such as cancer, and cardiovascular and neurological diseases. For example, evidence from a study in Holland (1) has indicated that people with a measurably higher flavonoid intake have a reduced risk of heart disease compared to those who consume less. But it must be emphasized that most importantly, it is a healthy and varied diet that keeps you healthy

See also: Basiswissen Aktualisiert - Flavonoide

http://www.bfa-ernaehrung.de/Bfe-Deutsch/Information/pflanzenstoffe/artikel6.pdf

(1) Hertog, M.G.L, Kromhout, D., Aravanis, C. et al. (1995) Flavonoid intake and long-term risk of coronary heart disease and cancer in Seven Countries Study. Arch Intern Med 155: 381 - 386