Nowadays you can discover grapes in your supermarket during whole year – they grow in clusters and come in different types (small, big, “finger” style, seedless), in different colors (yellow, red, black, green, purple, crimson, dark blue, orange and pink) and in different products (wine, vinegar, jam, juice, jelly, grape seed extract, raisins, and grapeseed oil). This fruit has at least 8000 years history and it was imported to Europe from Middle East.
Grapes health benefits cannot be overestimated – they include prevention of cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, constipation and poor eyesight.
Grapes contain several important vitamins and elements including fiber, protein, copper, potassium, iron, folate and vitamins C, A, K and B2. Grapes are high in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties as well as phytonutrients (especially phenols and polyphenols). Grapes can be used for good hydration because they have high water content.
Medical society is paying very special attention to health benefits of resveratrol which is found in purple and red grapes as well as in red wines. Resveratrol is a pretty strong antioxidant. According to scientists, resveratrol can play the crucial role in protection from several serious diseases such as cancers of colon and prostate, coronary heart disease, degenerative nerve disease, Alzheimer’s disease, viral and fungal infections.
Grapes health benefits – cancer
It was noted that thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, grapes can protect body against cancer and prevent cancer development. At the same time, grapes can also slow down existing cancer cells’ multiplication. Actually grapes prevent chronic oxidative stress and chronic inflammation – two main dangerous factors which trigger cancer development (causing cancer). Laboratory scientific tests discovered that apart from reducing the risk of cancer, grapes also suppress the growth and propagation of cancer cells.
Medical experts noted that grapes are particularly effective in reducing the risk of colorectal, lung, prostate and breast cancer. Concerning skin cancer, resveratrol can protect skin from sun and ultraviolet rays – reducing chances for skin cancer development.
Grapes health benefits – weight control
Grapes can empower your weight loss programmes. According to scientists, resveratrol can decrease adipogenesis (fat cell development) and increase lipolysis and apoptosis (fat cell “suicide”). Laboratory tests with resveratrol demonstrated resistance to weight gain in mice. Some studies have shown that increasing consumption of grapes decreases the risk of obesity
According to research project (MaryAnne DellaFera and colleagues), resveratrol (particularly when combined with soy isoflavones) works on the body in two ways to significantly assist with weight loss efforts – firstly, it dramatically reduces cells’ ability to store fat by about 30%; and secondly, it causes fat cells to disintegrate at a rate 46% higher than normal.
Grapes health benefits – cardio-vascular system
Grapes
Grapes (mainly its flavonoids and antioxidants) demonstrated the ability to help improve cholesterol levels by lowering so called “bad cholesterol” and raising “good cholesterol”. At the same time, grapes increase the nitric oxide levels in the blood, which prevents blood clots and reduces the risk of heart attacks – all are very important for cardiovascular health.
It is well known that grapes and red wine (thanks to resveratrol and proanthocyanidin) have important health benefits including dilation of blood vessels, reduced risks of blood clots and damaged blood vessels – both are important for maintenance of normal healthy blood pressure.
According to scientists, grapes’ anti-inflammatory properties prevent chronic inflammation and lower risks of atherosclerosis, heart-attack and other similar heart conditions.
Grapes health benefits – brain
Grapes can protect the brain and boost your brain power. Eating grapes regularly you can improve memory power and prevent age-related memory decline. Well known resveratrol increases blood flow to the brain and improves mental responses. It was noted that grapes can even delay the onset of degenerative neural diseases like dementia.
It is important to highlight that grapes are able to prevent brain damaging plaque and free radicals, which can cause Alzheimer’s disease.
Grapes health benefits – skin
Grapes main property “resveratrol” protects the skin from damaging UVB rays of the sun, thereby protecting it against skin cancer. Even resveratrol can protect body from negative damages during radiation treatment of cancer.
Grapes health benefits – diabetes
Grapes can fight diabetes. According to recent study, so called “prediabetic” clients were given resveratrol and after certain period they had 10% drop in blood sugar levels. Future investigations and laboratory tests can clarify the role of grapes in diabetes prevention and treatment.
Grapes health benefits – inflammation
Grapes can turn down certain types of inflammation – thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, grapes can be used against inflammation.
Grapes health benefits – muscles
Grapes can support muscle recovery – thanks to its antioxidants, grapes can support body cells and organs in eliminating uric acid and other toxins and support muscle tissue recovery for athletes.
Grapes health benefits – constipation
Grapes’ fiber is essential for minimizing constipation. Generally speaking, fruits with high levels of water are always recommended during constipation (grapes, watermelon, cantaloupe) – they can help to keep body hydrated and strengthen regular bowel movements.
Grapes health benefits – allergy
Some nutrition specialists recommend grapes during allergic conditions. According to laboratory tests, grapes’ anti-inflammatory properties (mainly quercetin) may help to alleviate symptoms of allergies including runny nose, watery eyes and hives.
Grapes health benefits – fatigue and hanger
Grapes can fight fatigue and hanger – grapes can be the perfect snack for fighting fatigue and improving body energy level because they are loaded with high quality vitamins as well as magnesium, phosphorus, iron and copper. These entire nutrients act together to boost body immune system, provide energy and fight symptoms of fatigue and hanger. It was noted that light-colored and white grapes are best for combating fatigue and hanger.
Grapes health benefits – vision
Grapes can improve your eyesight – they protect the eyes’ photoreceptors and help prevent macular degeneration and other eye-related diseases. Grapes help protect the retina from deterioration and ensure proper eye care. At the same time, grapes’ anti-inflammatory property helps reduce inflammatory protein levels and increases the number of protective proteins in the retina.
