Cinnamon is probably the most accommodating spice to use with grapes, or try them with curry and nuts, especially walnuts and almonds. While some substances in grapes may hold promise against cancer, there is very little reliable scientific evidence available at this time that drinking red wine, eating grapes, or following the grape diet can prevent or treat cancer in people. Several laboratory studies in cell cultures have shown that proanthocyanidins, the chemicals found in grape seed extract, have antioxidant properties. A small randomized clinical trial of grape seed extract in healthy volunteers supported this finding. Some laboratory studies have also found that proanthocyanidins may reduce the body’s production of estrogen, which could possibly affect hormone-sensitive tumors such as some types of breast cancer. It is not yet clear whether these properties will translate into anticancer benefits in people. Early clinical trials are currently in progress to find the best dose of grape seed extract for suppressing estrogen levels for breast cancer prevention. Studies in laboratory animals have suggested that grape seed extract may act against prostate, colon, and breast cancer. One laboratory study found that grape seed extract seemed to make the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin more effective against breast cancer cells. Randomized clinical trials are needed to determine whether grape seed extract can be helpful in cancer treatment. Laboratory and animal studies have shown that resveratrol may help prevent heart disease and cancer. It appears to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and possibly antiestrogenic properties. It also seems to activate liver enzymes that are responsible for ridding the body of unwanted chemicals. These properties may mean it will be active against cancer in people, but randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm this. Early clinical trials are now under way in healthy volunteers to determine the amount of resveratrol that can be given safely. This dose will then be used in studies of resveratrol for cancer prevention. Note, however, that a study of extracted chemicals would not be expected to have the same result as a study using the raw plant.
Some population-based studies have found that people who drink red wine may have lower incidences of lung and prostate cancer. As always in these types of studies, many other factors could account for the difference in cancer risk. In addition, several studies have found that high intake of alcohol, regardless of the type, is linked to an increase in breast cancer and some other types of cancer. While the early research on some substances in grapes is promising, it is very hard to determine the exact role a particular food may have against cancer. A balanced diet that includes 5 or more servings a day of fruits and vegetables along with foods from a variety of other plant sources such as nuts, seeds, whole grain cereals, and beans is likely to be more effective than eating one particular food in large amounts. Some seedless table grapes will grow well in colder areas - most of them are hybrids of American and European grapes. Homegrown grapes are not likely to be as large as those found in grocery stores. Commercial growers treat their grape crops with gibberellic acid, a growth hormone that causes the cells to grow larger and longer than normal. No forms of this hormone are registered for homeowner use.