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The health benefits of grapes include their ability to treat
constipation, indigestion, fatigue, kidney disorders, macular degeneration and
the prevention of cataracts. Grapes, one of the most popular and delicious
fruits, are rich sources of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6 and folate in
addition to essential minerals like potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus,
magnesium and selenium.
Grapes contain flavonoids that are very powerful
antioxidants, which can reduce the damage caused by free radicals and slow down
aging. Grapes, due to their high nutrient content, play an important role in
ensuring a healthy and active life.
Grapes are rich in polyphenolic phytochemicalcompound resveratrol.
Resveratrol is one of powerful anti-oxidant, which
has been found to play protective function against cancers of colon and
prostate,
coronary heart disease (CHD),
degenerative nerve disease, Alzheimer's disease and viral/ fungal
infections.
Asthma: Due to their well-known therapeutic value, grapes
can be used as a cure for asthma. In addition to that, the hydrating power of
grapes is also high, which increases the moisture present in the lungs and
reduces asthmatic events.
Bone Health: Grapes are a wonderful source of
micro-nutrients like copper, iron, and manganese, all of which are important in
the formation and strength of the bones. Adding grapes into your diet on a
regular basis can prevent the onset of age-related conditions like
osteoporosis. Manganese is an extremely important element in the body, which
aids in everything from protein metabolism, collagen formation, and nervous
system functioning.
Heart diseases: Grapes increase the nitric oxide levels in
the blood, which prevents blood clots.
Therefore, grapes are an effective way to reduce the chances of heart
attacks. Additionally, the antioxidants present in grapes prevent the oxidation
of LDL cholesterol, which blocks the blood vessels and is a main contributor to
various coronary conditions. Grapes also have high numbers of flavonoids, which
are what give grapes their colour, but flavonoids are also very powerful
antioxidants. The two main types in grapes are resveratrol and quercetin, and
these two compounds negate the effects of free radicals that threaten the body
and stimulate LDL cholesterol’s harmful effects on arteries. Also, these two
antioxidant flavonoids act as a clean-up crew to reduce platelet clumping and
filter toxins out of the blood.
Migraine: Ripe grape juice is an important home remedy for
curing migraines. It should be drunk early in the morning, without mixing
additional water. Ironically, drinking red wine is often considered a cause of
migraines, but grape juice and grape seed extract is considered a solution for
the problem. There are many causes behind migraines, and it can be difficult to
pinpoint the culprit, since they include chemical imbalances, lack of sleep,
changes in weather, or dietary deficiencies. Alcohol in general causes
migraines, but grapes have so many antioxidants that they can cause and cure
the same illness!
Constipation: Grapes are very effective in overcoming and eliminating
constipation. They are classified as a laxative food, because they contain
organic acid, sugar and cellulose. They also relieve chronic constipation by
toning up intestinal muscles and the stomach. Grapes are high in insoluble fibre,
meaning that it remains intact as it moves through the digestive tract. It
builds up bulk, which promotes the formation and excretion of healthy stool, so
grapes can help make you much more regular. However, if you suffer from loos
stool or diarrhoea, grapes should not be used as a way to regulate your system.
Insoluble fibre doesn’t soak up water to dry out loose stool, and grapes don’t
have a high level of soluble fibre.
Indigestion: Grapes
play an important role in dyspepsia. They relieve heat and cure indigestion and
irritation in the stomach. They are also preferred over other digestive aids
because they are considered a “light food”.
Fatigue: Light and white grape juice supplements the iron
content in the body and prevents fatigue. Anaemia is a real problem for many
people, and eating grapes can help keep your iron and mineral levels balanced
in the body. A lack of iron can make you sluggish, and your mind also doesn’t
work as quickly, since iron is an essential mineral that impact a number of
bodily functions. However, dark grape
juice might not give an iron boost and may actually decrease iron levels.
Drinking grape juice also provides a nearly instant energy boost.
Diabetes: Recent research suggests that grape skin extract
(GSE) exerts a novel inhibitory activity on hyperglycaemia and may help in
diabetes management.
Dental Care: According to a recent study, red wine and grape
seed extract can potentially help prevent cavities.
Kidney disorders: Grapes can substantially reduce the
acidity of uric acid and they also help to eliminate acid from the system,
thereby reducing the stress and pressure on the kidneys. Since grapes have a
high water content, they induce urination, which also helps to eliminate the
uric acid still present in the body after its acidity is reduced. Grapes have a
very cleansing effect on the body, and the antioxidants present benefit all of
the body’s systems in peripheral ways.
Blood cholesterol: Grapes contain a compound called
pterostilbene, which has the capacity to lower a person’s cholesterol levels.
Pterostilbene is closely related to resveratrol, the beneficial antioxidant and
colouring flavonoid that is also found in grapes, and early research has shown
that it has anti-cancer qualities as well as having a great impact on
cholesterol levels. It is also thought to have preventative powers over
cognitive decline. Furthermore, the saponins present in the skin of grapes can
also prevent the absorption of cholesterol by binding with it.
Antibacterial activity: Red grapes have strong antibacterial
and antiviral properties that can protect you from infections. They display
strong antiviral properties against the polio virus and the herpes simplex
virus. Studies have also shown that grape juice can tackle bacterial infections
in the gut and other systems.
Breast cancer: In a recent study, it has been discovered
that purple, Concord grape juice helps in preventing breast cancer. Significant
reduction in mammary tumour mass of laboratory rats was seen after they were
fed the grape juice in an experimental setting. The antioxidants in grapes are
beneficial in the prevention of all types of cancer, but there are some
fascinating studies which specifically show grape juice as an effective
preventive measure against breast cancer. Certain chemicals in grapes compete
for binding sites, and inhibits aromatase from changing androgen to estragon,
which is thought to be a big contributing factor to breast cancer growth in women.
Alzheimer’s disease: Resveratrol, a beneficial polyphenol
present in grapes, reduces the levels of amyloidal-beta peptides in patients
with Alzheimer’s disease. Studies suggest that grapes can enhance brain health
and delay the onset of degenerative neural diseases. A study published in the
British Journal of Nutrition claims that grape juice can even improve the brain
function of older people who have already displayed mild cognitive impairment.
Further studies are currently under way to determine the exact interaction
between grape components and neural systems.
Macular degeneration: Grapes can prevent age-related loss of
vision and macular degeneration. Research study conducted at University of
Miami suggests that grape-enriched diet supports eye health and may prevent
vision-threatening retinal diseases.
Studies have shown that three servings of grapes a day can
reduce the risks of macular degeneration by over 36 %. Both grapes and wine can
both contribute to a reduced loss of vision over time, and as with all of the
organ systems, the health and susceptibility to disease or damage is lessened
by the antioxidants packed into every grape!
Immune System: Grapes
are not only packed with flavonoids and minerals, but vitamins as well! The
high levels of vitamin C, vitamin K, and vitamin A in grapes gives you a
healthy boost to many of your organ systems, particularly your immune system,
which means less chance of coming down with common colds, as well as more
serious health issues.
Prevention of cataracts: Flavonoids present in grapes have
antioxidants, which can reduce and fight the damage caused by free radicals.
Free radicals cause things like the development of cataracts, as well as
cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and various age-related problems. This is
somewhat linked to macular degeneration, as they usually occur around the same
time in life. Fortunately, antioxidants also have certain anti-aging qualities,
which not only help you look younger, but also feel younger by staving off
age-related conditions like cataracts.
Cancer prevention properties: Grapes have been found to have
strong anti-cancer properties due to the anti-inflammatory effect of
resveratrol. It is particularly effective in reducing the chances of colorectal
cancer and breast cancer. The anthocyanins and pro-anthocyanidins in grapes
have properties of an anti-proliferate and can inhibit the growth of cancer
causing agents. Grape juice not only prevents the risk of cancer but also
suppresses the growth and propagation of cancer cells. The pigments contained
in grapes enhance the overall immunity of the body to a wide range of diseases.
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