About Grapes – Your Hearts Best Friend! Grapes are bite sized juicy wonders! The grape is overflowing with health benefits from top to toe! Grape Skin – Interlaced with multiple nutrients, Translucent Grape Flesh – Interlaced with multiple nutrients, The Seed – Again, interlaced with multiple nutrients!
This miniscule fruit may be divided into 3 categories; table grapes, wine grapes and raisin grapes! Table fruits are what we mostly consume; wine grapes are used in viniculture whereas raisin grapes are used in the making of fried fruit!
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Grapes Nutritional Information
Like other kinds of berries, grapes are also a precious storehouse of a wide array of nourishing minerals and vitamins. Grapes have a high content of Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6 and C. They also contain ‘flavonoids’, – the deeper the color of the grape, the richer the flavonoids.
Grapes are also a powerhouse of minerals. It is fair to say these tiny bits of tasteful bliss have it all: calcium, chlorine, copper, fluorine, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, silicon and sulfur. These various minerals are present in abundance and help in a variety of aspects, from strengthening the immunity system, to building blood cells, to bone fortification.
Grapes also contain substantial amounts of tartaric and malic acids. Additionally, they possess other acids such as succinic, fumaric, glyceric, p-coumaric and caffeic, each of which aid in the natural processes of the body.
Let us not forget about Grape skins! Indeed, do not underestimate them, for they are laden with beta-carotene and lycopene, and other phytonutrients like ellagic acid, resveratrol and sulfur compounds. All of these are extremely vital for good health!
Even the seeds are not to be overlooked! They consist of flavanol antioxidants which help rigorously in tissue repair and growth and scavenge free radicals which may lead to viral infections.
Health Benefits Of Grapes
Grapes have an incredibly impressive range of health benefits.
For Your Heart-Health
Grapes are your heart’s best friend! Undeniably, your cardiovascular system has by far, the most to gain by the consumption of grapes. The impressive range of health benefits include;
- The regulation of blood pressure. Additionally, grapes lower high blood pressure.
- The regulation of blood cholesterol. Additionally, grapes lower high levels of cholesterol
- Grapes reduce ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol levels! Additionally, they reduce the oxidative damage caused by LDL cholesterol!
- Grape consumption reduces the levels of reactive oxygen molecules in the blood.
- Helps prevent cell linkage to the blood vessel walls.
- Improved inflammatory regulation in the blood.
- Increases the levels of glutathione in the blood.
Cancer Prevention!
Grapes have an impressive range of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents – both of which work tirelessly to prevent the development of cancer. Grapes are particularly helpful in the prevention of breast cancer, colon cancer and prostate cancer.
Anti-Inflammatory Benefits!
As mentioned previously, grapes hold remarkable anti-inflammatory agents. These anti-inflammatory agents can help reduce the incidence of heart disease. And it doesn’t stop there: research has also suggested that anti-inflammatory agents may help prevent cancer and respiratory issues.
Regulates Blood Sugar Levels!
Research has confirmed that grapes are excellent for regulating blood sugar levels. Grapes consist of nutrients that regulate insulin within our bodies as well, and hence, are the perfect sweet treat for diabetic patients! If you are diabetic, consult your doctor before incorporating grapes into your diet.
Stimulates Digestion!
Grape juice is a miracle worker when it comes to constipation. Grapes are a very efficient laxative and help in the smooth functioning of the bowels, as they consist of cellulose, organic acid and sugar.
Improves Skin!
The high content of vitamin C in grapes can give the skin a radiant glow and treats acne as well.
Better Memory!
Scientific research has displayed that grapes are highly effective for memory retention. For example, tests conducted in California showed better verbal learning ability in those individuals who regularly consumed grapes compared to individuals who didn’t.
It has also been documented that grapes can prevent Alzheimer’s disease, enhance brain health and stall the likelihood of neurodegenerative diseases.
May Prevents Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a disorder in which patients suffer impaired speech and loss of memory.
Grapes contain a substance known as ‘resveratrol’ which has shown promise in the possible prevention/treatment of this disease. Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine found that there may be a link between the consumption of grapes and anti-Alzheimer’s. Further research is needed – either way grapes are good brain food and should be consumed whenever in season!
Sharpens Eyesight!
Grapes consist of flavanoids that are excellent for vision. Grape seeds contain a particular compound which can work wonders to prevent night blindness in addition to improving vision and helping with retinal disorders.
Anti-Bacterial Properties!
Red grapes house very strong antiviral and antibacterial characteristics which can help our body fight various infections. Grapes are known to stand strong against herpes and polio too!
Possible Ways To Enjoy Grapes
This tiny fruit can be enjoyed in a vast multitude of ways!
Grapes are a great addition to any salad – adding a pleasant bitter-sweet aftertaste that is oh-so-hard to resist. Grapes taste particularly good in vegetarian salads, chicken salads and seafood salads!
Why don’t you conjure up your very own Berrylicious Treat? Just mix some grapes in an ice-cold bowl of low-fat yoghurt and voila, you have the perfect summer treat to that scorching heat!
So sit back and relax and let this succutlent fruit take over your senses!
Possible Health Concerns
Those individuals who have a history of issues pertaining to the kidney or the renal system should avoid consumption of grapes. Grapes consist of oxalates which can lead to kidney stone formation and gall bladder related complication.