Health Benefits of Grapes
- Introduction
A grape is botanically a berry. It is a fruit of the deciduous woody wines of flowering plants. It can be eaten as table grapes and also used for making grape juice, vinegar, wine, grape seed oil, jam, grape seed extract, dried as raisins, sultana and currants. It has many types such as, pink, yellow, red, green and black. They come in seeded and seedless varieties. They grow in clusters. Across the world, they are grown in temperature climate such as Southern Europe, North America, South America, Australia and Africa. Majority of the grapes are from the California which grows in US.
Grapes have been used as medicine in some cultures, for thousand of years. This small fruit is loaded with 160p compounds. Grapes can help to keep us health. For thousands of years, grapes have been cultivated. For their use in winemaking, grapes have been revered by ancient civilizations. Grapes are climbing by means of tendrils. It is usually a woody vine. Grape is more or less globular. It is globular within the juicy pulp of which lie the seeds. The fruit develops a bloom or whitish powdery coating. It contains minerals as phosphorus and calcium. It is source of Vitamin A. Depending upon the variety; all grapes contain sugar such as fructose and glucose in varying quantities. Those grapes that have more glucose are the most readily fermented. Due to their high antioxidants and nutrient content, grapes offer a wealth of health benefits.
- Etymology of Grapes
The term grape is derived from Old French verb “Graper” which means pick grapes off the vine or catch with a hook and it is also believed by experts.
- Origin of Grapes
Grape is well known from pre-history. It is native to Asia. Grape comes from Syria (during fourth millennium BCE) and Egypt as the earliest archaeological evidence of the domesticated grape. Seeds of grape date from 3000 BCE to Bronze Age, sites in Jericho, IN Palestine. In Neolithic period, its culture began. It spread to the rest of Europe. After that it arrived at American continent. The continent with larger production is Europe at present.
- History of Grapes
Viticulture or the grape culture is as old as civilization itself. During the Neolithic era, as suggested by the archaeological evidences, grapes have been grown as early as 6500 B.C. Grapes growing is extended from Transcaucasia to Asia Minor as well as through the Nile Delta of Egypt.
- Nutritional Information of Grapes
Grapes have many nutrients. One cup grapes contain the following nutrients:
- 3 Carbohydrates
- 2g Fiber
- 102 Calories
- 1g Fat
- 2g Protein
- 27% of The Reference Daily Intake (RDI) Vitamin C
- 28% of RDI Vitamin K
- 5% of RDI Manganese
- 7% of RDI Thiamine
- 8% of RDI Potassium
- 6% of RDI Copper
- 6% of RDI Vitamin B6
- 6% of RDI Riboflavin
- Health Benefits of Grapes
Grapes have various health benefits which are described below in detailed manner.
- Lower Risk of Heart Health
Grapes may lower the risk of heart health. It is a good source of minerals such as potassium. Potassium helps balance fluids in our body. It can lower our heart disease, bring down high blood pressure and lower down the risk of stroke. Many people do not get this nutrient. Eating grapes can help to fill this gap and fulfil the need of this nutrient.
- Healthy skin and Hair
Grapes are beneficial for our hairs and skin. They are a great source of Vitamin E. Vitamin E plays an important role to healthy our skin and hairs. It helps our skin to stay hydrated and smooth. Other compound that is presented in grapes may help to increase blood flow to our scalp for healthier hair and also prevent acne.
- Eye Protection
Grapes protect our eyes from damage. Natural chemicals are presented in grapes to help to protect our cells from damage and ease inflammation in our body. Many studies showed that, grapes prevent our eyes from various diseases such as glaucoma and cataracts.
- Boost Immune System
Grapes boost our immune system. Resveratrol compound (A compound which is present in grapes), can help to shore up the immune system. It acts as defense against germs. It also prevents bacterial infection as well as heals wounds.
- Good for our Brain
Grapes are also good for our brain. Resveratrol compound slows the breakdown of cells. These cells naturally happen as we age. It slows down the harmful plaque. It also prevents harmful plaques from forming in our brain.
- Constipation Relief
Grapes can help to relief from constipation. Grapes contain high water, which can help our digestive system to run smoothly. They are also full of insoluble fiber. Insoluble fiber can lead to softer stools.
- Better Sleep
Grapes are beneficial for our sleep cycle. Skin of grapes is high in melatonin. Melatonin is a chemical which improve our sleep. It also plays an important role in steady our mood.
- Keep Blood Sugar Low
Grapes are also helpful to keep blood sugar low. It is said that, grapes have low glycemic index. It means they do not raise our blood sugar too quickly. If a person has diabetes, then it is a good fruit choice. Purple grapes have polyphenols (compound that gibe grapes purple color) may help to prevent type II diabetes.
- Cancer Defense
Grapes are also served as cancer defense. Many researches showed that, antioxidants which are presented in grapes may delay or prevent the growth of the cancer cells. It may protect us from lung, pancreas, mouth, throat and prostate cancer.
Summary
To sum up, it can be concluded that, grapes are a source of potassium. It lowers down the risk of heart disease. It helps balance fluids in our body. It can help to bring down high blood pressure. It play an important role in healthier our skin as well as to healthier our hairs. It also plays an important role to protect our eyes from various diseases. That is why it is said that, grapes are beneficial for our health because it has many healthy benefits in it.
