15 Best Benefits of Grapes

Grapes – A lovely juicy queen of fruits

Grapes is a round or oval shaped juicy berry fruit.  Eaten throughout the world in raw form or as eatable products like jams, raisins, jelly , juices wines etc.  The color of this fruit is  green, yellow, orange, crimson, pink, dark  blue and black. Each color variety vary in nutrition,taste and health benefits. The taste ranges from sweet to sour. I like green grapes which are also known as white grapes because of it’s sweet delicious flavor. Antioxidants, vitamins, minerals  and various other nutrients are derived from eating this fruit leading to healthy life. One just likes to eat more and more of this fruit. The best part is that you can eat as much as you like and at the same time you get immense health benefits.

Grapes Nutritional Benefits

Grapes nutritional benefits are immense. Grapes are great source of antioxidants especially resveratrol. A cup of grapes contains just 104 calories. This fruit has a  low glycemic index and zero cholesterol. Consuming a handful of grapes provides you a great source of vitamins, minerals and high water content. This nutrition provides benefits that range from cancer prevention, constipation cures to skin benefits and lots more. The chart below will provide you the nutrients derived from grapes.

Information Source : USDA Nutrient Database

Health Benefits of Grapes

The health benefits arise due to a grapes being rich in  phytonutrient, harmones and antioxidants. The list of phytonutrient are flavonols, flavanols, stilbenes, carotenoids and phenolic Acids. These nutrients provide the various health benefits.

1. Relief from migraine : Grapes are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It is riboflavin and iron content of grapes that helps you in getting relief from migraine. The best way to is to drink fresh ripe grape juice without adding water in it.

Heart Benefits : Grapes are heart healthy fruit. It is due to grapes antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties. There is has been a reduction in heart attacks.

2. Lowers Blood Cholesterol LDL levels and triglycerides : Pterostilbene and resveratrol,  the phytonutrients in grapes are responsible for lowering blood LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. These both are responsible for creating heart problems

3. Prevents the oxidation of LDL cholesterol: Antioxidants in grapes prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. Thus preventing plaque formation in artery walls.

4. Regulates blood pressure levels : Potassium in grapes  helps in regulating blood pressure levels. Drinking grape juice on regular levels lowers both systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels. Apart from potassium there is another antioxidant nutrient flavonoids which helps in this regulation . This nutrients aid in the production of nitric oxide which relaxes blood vessels.

5. Beneficial for Diabetic Patients : Grapes have a low glycemic index. Foods that are low in glycemic index are good diabetic patients. As these foods aid in better blood sugar regulation and prevent insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes. Consumption of small quantity  of grapes reduces type 1 diabetes . Thus reducing the overall side effects associated with diabetes.

6. Brain Benefits and relief to Alzheimer’s Disease patients   : Eating grapes improves the cognitive abilities. Leading  to a speedy mental response and thus improving your memory.  It keeps Alzheimer’s Disease at bay. This happens due to polynutrient  resveratrol present in grapes.  Resveratrol decreases amyloidal-beta peptides levels leading to this bran problem.

7. Leads to stronger bones and prevent osteoporosis : Minerals like copper, manganese and iron  present in grapes content lead to healthy strong bone formation. Thus preventing the onset of osteoporosis diseases.

8. Anti cancer benefits : Grapes are helpful in preventing cancers like breast cancer, skin, colon cancer, prostate cancer etc. This is due to grapes antioxidants and it’s anti-inflammatory properties. These 2 elements protect our body from chronic oxidative stress and chronic inflammation which are causes of cancer growth.

9. Eye benefits: Eating grapes is great for your eye health and prevents many eye disorders. Loss of vision due to age and macular degeneration is minimized due this the super beneficial fruit. You get another benefit that is prevention of cataracts.

10. Strong body immunity : Minerals , vitamins, phytonutrient in grapes strengthens your body immunity . There is lesser chance of your body catching any infections and diseases like flu, cold, cough or any other serious ones.

11. Prevents Constipation : Grapes is a good laxative fruit. It prevents as well as cures constipation problems. Grapes contain high insoluble fibre which regulates the healthy stool formation on regular basis.

Skin Benefits : We all desire  healthy unblemished skin. Grapes are the right skin tonic. These are the following skin benefits.

12. Keeps your skin youthful: You derive anti-aging benefits from eating grapes. Antioxidants and vitamin C in grapes keeps your skin wrinkle free and protects it from free radical damage. Rubbing grape pulp  in circular motion on the face helps in toning the skin. After 10-15 minutes rinse it water to achieve a youthful looking  skin.

13. Protects against harmful Sunburns : Grapes antioxidants provides the skin with sunburn protection. Application of grape seed extract which contains Proanthocyanidins on the face protects you from UV radiation. Thus working as a great sunscreen.

14. Softens the skin : Vitamin E in grape seed extract acts as a skin moisturizer and exfoliant. You can rub the grape skin on the face to remove dead skin  to achieve a healthier softer skin. Oil from grape seeds is a good skin moisturizer.

15. Other skin benefits like rejuvenation of skin , scar lightening and curing uneven skin tone

Interesting Grape Dishes

DISCLAIMER

The information provided in this article is for educative purpose only. Consult you doctor or professional medical advice before using any information in this article for any health program.