Grapes are highly nutritious, low-calorie fruits. Containing vitamins A, B1, B2 and C, they are also a good source of potassium. Made of about 80% water and 10% pure glucose, or “grape sugar,” Grapes are immensely energizing and have always been trusted upon as a highly healthy fruit. The goodness of grapes on one’s health have been known from the time unknown. Doctors all across the world insist on regular intake of grapes whether green, red, or purple or grape juice. Some of the health benefits of grapes are as follows:Heart Diseases
Grapes have helped in preventing or slowing down heart diseases. About 20 years ago, researchers have discovered that French people had less heart related health problems than other countries. This discovery was called the French Paradox. The main explanation for this was that French people drank red wine with their meals which is made of grapes. Since this discovery was made, many studies were carried out, to prove the fat that red wine or grapes juice can reduce the risk of heart diseases in time. Grapes block the artery clogging effects of fatty food products. Antioxidants in fresh grapes are responsible for preventing the accumulation of oxidized cholesterol. Grapes reduce the levels of bad cholesterol in the body, promote lower blood pressure, and benefit heart health.
Cancer
Grapes are also very good cancer fighting fruits. They contain high levels of caffeic acid, a very strong cancer fighting substance. Bioflavonoids, a nutrient contained by grapes, helps the absorption of vitamin C into our bodies and help vitamin C maintain healthy connective tissue in our bodies. Grapes also function as antioxidants and provide strength to our cells in the battle with cancerous cells and also help kill cancer cells. Resveratrol, another nutrient in grapes, also helps in preventing cancer, especially liver, lung, breast and prostate cancer. In women regular intake of grape juice prevents the synthesis of estrogen thereby keeping the growth breast cancer at bay.
Viruses
Another study discovered that grapes have an effective antimicrobial action that helps in killig certain bacteria like E. coli. Additionally, the high concentration of tannin, in grapes, can help fight viruses and tumors.
Aging
According to Harvard Medical School researchers, resveratrol in grapes activates enzymes that slow aging, thus increasing DNA stability and extending life span by 70%.
Eye power
Grapes can contribute to reducing the risk of loss of eyesight (a major problem among the elderly). By increasing grapes intake we can reduce the risk of macular degeneration (the main cause of vision loss) by 30-40%.
Anti Fatigue and Stress
Fatigue, tiredness can be possibly due to poor functioning of our immune system. This generally happens if the diet is not balanced or if we are under stress. In order to boost our immune system, taking grapes or drinking grape juice regularly is an effective remedy. Grapes contain antioxidants that are excellent for strengthening immune system thereby making you feel healthier and fresh.
Anemia
Regular intake of grape juice helps people suffering from anemia as it increases iron content in our body.
Other Health Benefits
Grape juice is also effective in curing liver and skin disorders, rheumatism, gout, and constipation. Eating grapes strengthens your body when you need to recover from anemia, gastritis with high acidity, chronic insomnia, metabolism disorder, and constipation. It is recommended to include grapes in your diet in the first stage of tuberculosis.
How to Eat and Preserve Grapes
Fresh grapes usually stay good for about two to three days in the refrigerator. Before you eat them, make sure that you rinse them with water. For enhanced taste and flavor, serve grapes slightly chilled. To squeeze juice out of grapes, use a glass bottle and fill it completely. This prevents oxidation and damage to the juice. Nutrients are lost if the juice is stored for a long time. Drink your grape juice as soon as possible. If you buy grape juice from the market make sure that there are no added sugars and minimal stabilisers as they are naturally sweet. People who want to get the benefits of grapes by drinking wine should be aware that alcohol can have deleterious effects on the body, especially when consumed in high volume.
Drawbacks
- Grapes are not recommended for obesity, diabetes, colitis, stomach ulcers, diarrhea and dysentery.
- If you eat grapes with milk, cucumbers, melon, fish, beer, mineral water and fatty meals, you will get an upset stomach.
- If you have a cavity in a tooth, eating grapes or drinking grape juice will intensify your tooth destruction. Rinse your mouth every time you eat grapes.
