THE BENEFITS OF GRAPES

THE BENEFITS OF GRAPES

I just love grapes, they are one of my favorite fruits to eat as a snack or added to muesli for breakfast.  There are different types of grape but I love the dark ones.  Which one is your favorite?

Grapes have been classed as a low glycemic index (GI) food, with GI values ranging between 43-53.  With a low GI value, grapes are not necessarily the same as having blood sugar benefits. In the case of grapes, recent studies have shown that the low GI value is also a good indicator of this fruit's blood sugar benefits. Better blood sugar balance, better insulin regulation, and increased insulin sensitivity have now been connected with intake of grape juices, grape extracts, and individual phytonutrients found in grapes.

Several of the grape phytonutrients are now believed to play a role in longevity. At the top of the list in this area of research is resveratrol (a stilbene phytonutrient most present in grape skins, but also in grape seeds and grape flesh).

The health benefits of grapes include their ability to treat constipation, indigestion, fatigue, kidney disorders, macular degeneration and the prevention of cataracts. Grapes are one of the most popular and delicious fruits, are rich sources of vitamins A, C, B6 and folate in addition to essential minerals like potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium and selenium.

Grapes contain flavonoids that are very powerful antioxidants, which can reduce the damage caused by free radicals and slow down aging.  Grapes have a high nutrient content and play an important role in ensuring a healthy and active life.

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.

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. The saponins present in the skin of grapes can also prevent the absorption of cholesterol by binding with it.

Immune System:

Grapes are packed with flavonoids, minerals and vitamins.  The high levels of Vitamin C, K, and A in grapes gives you a healthy boost to many of your organ systems, particularly your immune system, which means less chance of coming down with common colds, as well as serious health issues.



Cancer prevention properties:

Grapes have been found to have strong anti-cancer properties due to the anti-inflammatory effect of resveratrol. It is particularly effective in reducing the chances of colorectal cancer and breast cancer. The anthocyanins and pro-anthocyanidins in grapes have properties of an anti-proliferate and can inhibit the growth of cancer causing agents. Grape juice not only prevents the risk of cancer but also suppresses the growth and propagation of cancer cells. The pigments contained in grapes enhance the overall immunity of the body to a wide range of diseases.

Bone Health: 

Grapes are a wonderful source of micro-nutrients like copper, iron, and manganese, which are all 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.