Until 8,000 years ago, people grew grape vines in what is now the Middle East.
Today, 72 million tons of grapes are grown each year around the world, primarily to produce wine. Every year 7.2 billion gallons of wine are produced. Grapes are also a very popular natural snack.
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The nutrients in grapes offer a number of potential health benefits. They have been associated with the prevention of cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, and constipation.
Both red and green grapes contain resveratrol, which is a compound that is part of the antioxidants that are found, for example, in red wine, and precisely in red grapes, and specifically in their skins, contain more. It is better to get the benefits of resveratrol by eating grapes than by drinking wine.
Benefits and nutritional properties of grapes
Nutrients in grapes can help protect against cancerto combat and prevent eye problems, cardiovascular diseases and other health conditions.
Grapes are an excellent source of fiber, potassium, and a wide variety of vitamins and other minerals.
Grapes are very beneficial for people with diabetes, that is why it is recommended that they always include their consumption in the diet plan.
benefits of grapes
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables has been linked to a reduced risk of various conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and obesity.
Like other fruits and vegetables, grapes are a good source of fiber and water.
The antioxidants and other nutrients in grapes may make them particularly healthy, although more research is needed to confirm some of their benefits.
Health improvements:
Cancer
Grapes contain powerful antioxidants known as polyphenols. They are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants. One of them is resveratrol which, as we said, is found in the skins of red grapes.
Laboratory studies have suggested that resveratrol may slow or prevent the growth of lymphatic, liver, stomach, breast, colon, skin cancer, and leukemia tumors.
Resveratrol is also present in red wine. Some studies have looked at the association between red wine and cancer risk in humans, but it has been shown that consistently high alcohol intake can increase the risk of cancer. Moderation is key.
Another natural anti-inflammatory that is produced in grapes is the flavonoid quercetin. Studies have suggested that this may also help prevent or slow cancer growth.
heart health
Animal studies have indicated that quercetin and resveratrol may reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and protect against damage caused by low-density lipoproteins (LDL), or «bad» cholesterol.
Grape polyphenols, such as resveratrol, are thought to have antioxidant, lipid-lowering, and anti-inflammatory actions that may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). They can accomplish this by preventing platelet buildup and lowering blood pressure and the risk of irregular heart rhythms.
The grapes contain fiber and potassiumwhich support heart health.
A high intake of potassium has been associated with a reduced risk of strokeprotection against loss of muscle mass and preservation of density bone mineral.
Blood pressure
Increasing your potassium intake can help reduce the negative effects of excess sodium in the diet.
And because grapes are high in potassium, they can help reduce the effects sodium has on people with high blood pressure.
Fiber is important for maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system, including heart health and blood pressure. Grapes are a good source of fiber.
Constipation
Grapes contain water and fiber. These can help people stay hydrated, keep bowel movements regular, and reduce the risk of constipation.
Diabetes
Certain fruits, but not juices, have been studied to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in adults.
People who eat three servings a week of blueberries, grapes, raisins, apples or pears have a 7 percent lower risk of type 2 diabetes compared to those who don’t.
The vitamins, minerals, and fiber in grapes make them a healthy form of satisfy the sweet tooth.
Diabetic neuropathy and retinopathy
Some studies have indicated that resveratrol may protect against diabetic neuropathy, which affects nerve function. Scientists believe this may be due to the neuroprotective effects of this compound.
Animal studies have indicated that resveratrol may also protect against retinopathy, which can severely affect vision.
Diabetic neuropathy and diabetic retinopathy can occur when diabetes is not well controlled.
eye health
Grapes contain the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which can help maintain eye health.
They are believed to neutralize unstable molecules known as free radicals. In this way, they can reduce oxidative stress and damage to the retina, and help prevent cataracts and other conditions.
Laboratory tests have suggested that resveratrol may protect against various eye problems, including age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, and others.
However, it is unclear exactly how it works and how it might be beneficial to humans.
Acne
The results of an in vitro study published in the journal Dermatology and Therapy claim that resveratrol could help treat acne, especially if used with benzoyl peroxide as a topical treatment.
Other health benefits of grapes
Other health issues resveratrol can help with include:
- Alzheimer disease
- blood glucose monitoring
- osteoarthritis
- stimulate the immune system.
nutritional information of grapes
a cup of grapes red either green they weigh about 151 grams (g) contains :
- 104 kilocalories
- 1.09g protein
- 0.24g fat
- 27.33 g carbohydrates, of which 23.37 g are sugars
- 1.4g fiber
- 288mg potassium
- 15 milligrams (mg) of calcium
- 0.54mg iron
- 11mg magnesium
- 30 mg of phosphorus
- 3mg sodium
- 0.11mg zinc
- 4.8mg vitamin C
- 22 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin K
- 3 mcg of folate
Grapes also contain vitamins B and A, and are high in water content. A cup of grapes contains more than 121 g of water.
Useful facts about grapes
- The grapes are available all year.
- Select grapes that are firm to the touch and free of wrinkles.
- It is best to store them in the refrigerator and wash them before eating.
- The best way to eat grapes is as fresh fruit.
- Most grape jellies or spreads and juices have added sugars and can be high in calories.
Useful tips to incorporate more grapes into the diet:
- Cut the grapes in half and add them to a chicken salad.
- Make a fruit cocktail with fresh grapes, pineapple, sliced peaches, and strawberries.
- Freeze grapes and eat them as a snack or dessert on a hot day.
- Grab a cup of fresh grapes for a quick 100-calorie snack.
risks
A group known as the Environmental Working Group (EWG) produces a list each year of fruits and vegetables with the highest levels of pesticide residues, known as Dirty Dozen. Grapes are currently number 8 on this list. Buying organic grapes can reduce the risk of pesticide exposure.
Beta blockers are commonly prescribed for heart conditions. They can cause potassium levels in the blood to rise. People using beta-blockers should eat high-potassium foods in moderation.
People using blood-thinning medications should talk to their doctor before consuming large amounts of grapes, as resveratrol can increase the blood-thinning action of these medications, similar to vitamin K.
Warfarin or Coumadin is a popular blood thinner.
Excessive potassium intake can be harmful for those whose kidneys are not fully functional.
If the kidneys cannot remove excess potassium from the blood, this can be fatal.
When drinking wine, women are advised to drink no more than one drink a day and men no more than two.