KESEHATAN
Juicy and delicious grapes grow in clusters and come in different colors like purple, crimson, black, dark blue, yellow, green, orange and pink. They can be eaten raw or used for making wine, vinegar, jam, juice, jelly, grape seed extract, raisins, and grapeseed oil. Grapes are available year-round. As well as being tasty, grapes are a storehouse of numerous health benefits, from helping prevent cancer to treating constipation and poor eyesight.
Grapes contain fiber, protein, copper, potassium, iron, folate and vitamins C, A, K and B2. They are also high in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties as well as phytonutrients, especially phenols and polyphenols. Grapes also have high water content and are good for hydration.
22. Health Benefits of Grapes
1. Protect Your Heart
Grapes increase the nitric oxide levels in the blood, which prevents blood clots. Therefore, grapes are an effective way to reduce the chances of heart attacks. Additionally, the antioxidants present in grapes prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, which blocks the blood vessels and is a main contributor to various coronary conditions. Grapes also have high numbers of flavonoids, which are what give grapes their color, but flavonoids are also very powerful antioxidants. The two main types in grapes are resveratrol and quercetin, and these two compounds negate the effects of free radicals that threaten the body and stimulate LDL cholesterol’s harmful effects on arteries. Also, these two antioxidant flavonoids act as a clean-up crew to reduce platelet clumping and filter toxins out of the blood.
2. Protects Against Cancer
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of grapes help protect against cancer. They prevent chronic oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, two important factors that cause cancer. Apart from reducing the risk of cancer, grapes also suppress the growth and propagation of cancer cells. Grapes are particularly effective in reducing the risk of colorectal, lung, prostate and breast cancer. The compound resveratrol found in grape skins is a potent antioxidant that helps protect the skin from the sun’s damaging UVB rays, thereby reducing the risk of skin cancer.
To reduce your risk of developing cancer, enjoy fresh grapes or juice rather than the supplements.
3. Helps in Preventing Breast Cancer
In a recent study, it has been discovered that purple, Concord grape juice helps in preventing breast cancer. Significant reduction in mammary tumor mass of laboratory rats was seen after they were fed the grape juice in an experimental setting. The antioxidants in grapes are beneficial in the prevention of all types of cancer, but there are some fascinating studies which specifically show grape juice as an effective preventive measure against breast cancer. Certain chemicals in grapes compete for binding sites, and inhibits aromatase from changing androgen to estrogen, which is thought to be a big contributing factor to breast cancer growth in women.
4. Bone Health
Grapes are a wonderful source of micro-nutrients like copper, iron, and manganese, all of which are important in the formation and strength of the bones. Adding grapes into your diet on a regular basis can prevent the onset of age-related conditions like osteoporosis. Manganese is an extremely important element in the body, which aids in everything from protein metabolism, collagen formation, and nervous system functioning.
5. Alzheimer’s Disease
Resveratrol, a beneficial polyphenol present in grapes, reduces the levels of amyloidal-beta peptides in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Studies suggest that grapes can enhance brain health and delay the onset of degenerative neural diseases. A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition claims that grape juice can even improve the brain function of older people who have already displayed mild cognitive impairment. Further studies are currently under way to determine the exact interaction between grape components and neural systems.
6. Constipation
Grapes are very effective in overcoming and eliminating constipation. They are classified as a laxative food, because they contain organic acid, sugar and cellulose. They also relieve chronic constipation by toning up intestinal muscles and the stomach. Grapes are high in insoluble fiber, meaning that it remains intact as it moves through the digestive tract. It builds up bulk, which promotes the formation and excretion of healthy stool, so grapes can help make you much more regular. However, if you suffer from loos stool or diarrhea, grapes should not be used as a way to regulate your system. Insoluble fiber doesn’t soak up water to dry out loose stool, and grapes don’t have a high level of soluble fiber.
7. Blood Cholesterol
Grapes contain a compound called pterostilbene, which has the capacity to lower a person’s cholesterol levels. Pterostilbene is closely related to resveratrol, the beneficial antioxidant and coloring flavonoid that is also found in grapes, and early research has shown that it has anti-cancer qualities as well as having a great impact on cholesterol levels. It is also thought to have preventative powers over cognitive decline. Furthermore, the saponins present in the skin of grapes can also prevent the absorption of cholesterol by binding with it.
8. Asthma Cure
Due to their well-known therapeutic value, grapes can be used as a cure for asthma. In addition to that, the hydrating power of grapes is also high, which increases the moisture present in the lungs and reduces asthmatic events.
9. Migraine
Ripe grape juice is an important home remedy for curing migraines. It should be drunk early in the morning, without mixing additional water. Ironically, drinking red wine is often considered a cause of migraines, but grape juice and grape seed extract is considered a solution for the problem. There are many causes behind migraines, and it can be difficult to pinpoint the culprit, since they include chemical imbalances, lack of sleep, changes in weather, or dietary deficiencies. Alcohol in general causes migraines, but grapes have so many antioxidants that they can cause and cure the same illness!
10. Kidney Disorders
Grapes can substantially reduce the acidity of uric acid and they also help to eliminate acid from the system, thereby reducing the stress and pressure on the kidneys. Since grapes have a high water content, they induce urination, which also helps to eliminate the uric acid still present in the body after its acidity is reduced. Grapes have a very cleansing effect on the body, and the antioxidants present benefit all of the body’s systems in peripheral ways.
11. Antibacterial Activity
Red grapes have strong antibacterial and antiviral properties that can protect you from infections. They display strong antiviral properties against the polio virus and the herpes simplex virus. Studies have also shown that grape juice can tackle bacterial infections in the gut and other systems.
12. Improves Eyesight
Grapes protect the eyes’ photoreceptors and help prevent macular degeneration and other eye-related diseases. In fact, retinal or macular degenerative disease is one of the leading causes of blindness among seniors. Moreover, their anti-inflammatory property helps reduce inflammatory protein levels and increases the number of protective proteins in the retina. Eat grapes or grape juice on a regular basis to protect the retina from deterioration and enjoy good eyesight for years.
13. Fights Fatigue
Grapes make an ideal snack for fighting fatigue and improving your energy level. They are loaded with high quality vitamins as well as magnesium, phosphorus, iron and copper. All these nutrients work together to boost your immune system, provide energy and fight symptoms of fatigue. Moreover, by eating grapes you can keep your iron and mineral levels balanced. Also, the carbohydrate content in grapes helps keep the muscular and nervous systems working well.
Just one handful of grapes or ½ glass of grape juice can give you instant energy and make you feel less fatigued. However, dark grapes may not provide the iron boost required to fight fatigue. Light-colored and white grapes are best for combating fatigue.
14. Supporting Men's Health
Prostate enlargement is a significant concern for men. A series of animal studies showed that consuming grapes helped to protect against the loss of bladder function associated with a partial obstruction – similar to that resulting from an enlarged prostate – which can cause the bladder to weaken. Adding grapes to the diet provided a strong antioxidant effect and membrane-protective properties that significantly reduced and reversed bladder damage caused by a partial obstruction.
15. Anti-Ageing Benefits
Free radicals are the main cause of premature ageing which is characterized by the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the skin. The antioxidants present in grapes, along with vitamin C, protect the skin from the harmful effects of free radicals, and reverse the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots. Grapes also help in toning the skin. If practiced regularly, rubbing the pulp of a few seedless grapes on the face in a circular motion and rinsing it after 20 minutes will help in reducing the formation of wrinkles.
16. Sunburns
Proanthocyanidins and resveratrol are powerful antioxidants that are contained in the flesh and seeds of grapes. Apply the grape seed extract to protect your skin from the harmful UV rays. It is a good sunscreen, reduces the redness caused by sunscreen, and even reduces any damage on skin cells. Grape seed extracts are a common ingredient in sunscreens.
17. Rejuvenates The Skin
Certain organic acids that are present in grapes facilitate the rejuvenation of skin cells. Grapes contain vitamin C which is necessary for collagen formation. Collagen forms up to 70% of the dry weight of human skin and is vital for the growth of cells and blood vessels and for providing strength and firmness to the skin. Moreover, grapes make the skin free from diseases by removing toxins from the body. Resveratrol present in grapevines protects the skin against harsh weather. It also rejuvenates the skin and reduces discolouration.
18. Skin Softener
Grape seed extract is rich in vitamin E which retains the moisture of the skin. This extract also acts as an exfoliant. Scrubbing the skin with it results in the removal of the top layer of dead cells, thus making skin healthier and smoother than before. Grape seed oil is gentle on the skin and can be an excellent moisturizer. A massage with this oil is known to hydrate the skin.
Loading With alpha hydroxy acids, grapes are very much contributing factor to fair and youthful skin. Grapes help in eliminating dead skin cells and keeping your skin's outer surface clear and charming. Grapes' seeds help in strengthening blood vessels and improving your skin's elasticity leading to luminous and glowing complexion.
19. Oily Skin
Black grapes are extremely helpful for people with oily skin. Mash black grapes and mix them with multani mitti and some rose water. Whip up a pack with thick consistency and apply on your face for 15 minutes. Within few minutes, your face will look fresh and shine-free.
20. Acne Cure
Grapes are a huge storehouse of anti-oxidants which cleanse your skin perfectly, getting you skin rid of all impurities making it vivid and sparkling fresh. Just mash few grapes and apply the mash of grapes on your skin leaving on for ten minutes and wash off thereafter. Your skin will get instant freshness and glow. Grapes are loaded with phyto-nutrients and phyto-chemicals which have anti-oxidants and anti-inflammation qualities. So grapes helps a lot in curing acne if applied on your face on a regular basis.
21. Lightens Scars
Green grapes help in lightening the scars that are caused due to acne. Vitamin C in grapes encourages the formation of scar tissues and ligaments and helps to repair the skin. Dust a bunch of green grapes with 1 tablespoon of alum and 1 tablespoon of salt. Keep them wrapped in a foil and bake them for quarter of an hour. Apply the juice of these grapes on your face, leave it on for 15 minutes and then rinse with warm water. This is sure to visibly lighten the scars.
22. Dark Circle
Grape seeds extract are very helpful in diminishing dark circles if applied topically on the under-eyes areas. Grape seeds extracts are available in tablets , liquids and oil. it is very beneficial for improving the over-all skin texture.
