Fresh, dried or fermented into wine, grapes have been a food of the civilised world for several thousand years. Offering grapes to people who are convalescing has become a custom for several years.
People have cultivated grapes for thousands of years, including several ancient civilizations that revered them for their use in winemaking. Grapes also make a quick and delicious snack you can enjoy at home or on the go.
You may find them in various colours, including green, red, black, yellow and pink. They come in multiple forms, too, from raisins to jellies to juice. Seeded and seedless varieties also exist.
Grapes offer a wealth of health benefits, primarily due to their high nutrient and antioxidant contents.
Nutritional content of grapes:
One cup of grapes contain 62 calories, 0.3 g fat, 2 mg. sodium, 16 g carbohydrates, I g fiber, 15 g sugar, 0.6 g protein, 3.68 mcg. of Vitamin C, 13.4 mcg. of Vitamin K, 4.6 mcg. of Vitamin A. Also contains Vitamin B1, B2, B6, Vitamin E, Calcium, Copper, Magnesium, Potassium and Manganese.
Immune System: Grapes are a great source of Vitamin C and they may help your immune system fight against bacterial and viral infections like yeast infections.
Cancer : Being full of antioxidants, grapes help fight off free radicals, which are molecules that can damage cells and may lead to cancer.
Grapes also contain the antioxidant resveratrol, which may protect against cancer, by reducing inflammation and blocking the growth of cancer cells. Grapes also contain catechins, quercetin and anthocyanins – all antioxidants – that protect against cancer.
Improves sleep: Grapes have a certain degree of melatonin in them. They are a great evening snack. They also do not contain a lot of calories, and can help one have a good night’s sleep.
Slows down aging: Resveratrol stimulates the Sir T 1 gene, which has been linked to a longer lifespan by affecting cell structure and protecting cells. It helps protect certain genes which lead to healthy aging and longevity.
Blood pressure: Grapes, being low in sodium, help to reduce blood pressure. Also the are high in potassium so that helps in balancing our blood pressure.
Heart disease: Resveratrol has also been shown to protect against heart disease. Also due to high potassium and low sodium content, grapes are beneficial for the heart.
High cholesterol: Grapes are high in fiber, so they help in lowering high cholesterol. In a study of people with high cholesterol, those who are 3 cups of grapes everyday for 8 weeks had lower total chole and lower LDL- bad cholesterol.
Diabetes: Grapes have a low glycemic index, so they do not raise blood sugar. Nutrients in grapes may decrease blood sugar levels and may increase insulin sensitivity, which may help your body use glucose.
Brain health: The antioxidant resveratrol helps reduce oxidative stress and this has a positive effect on the brain. So grapes may reduce the chances of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
Bone health: Due to grapes containing Vitamin K and minerals like Calcium, magnesium and potassium, grapes may help maintain strong bones.
Side effects of grapes:
The main problem with grapes, however, is contaminants on the skins, including yeasts, moulds, and airborne pollutants, as well as pesticide residues. It is important, therefore, to wash grapes thoroughly before eating them.
Grapes may be a migraine inducer, as the polyphenols and tannins present in red grapes may trigger migraines in some susceptible people.
SOUR GRAPES: The term ‘ sour grapes ‘ stems from Aesops fable, and is about the fox who tried to get at some grapes. When he realised they would always be out of reach, he went away saying, ” I see they are sour ‘.
All the best and happy healing from Naturally Dimpi!!