Health Benefits of Grapes, the uses, and the Concerns
Grapes are edible fruits of vine, also known as Vitis vinifera, which have been used for medicinal purposes since the past. In particular, grape seeds are byproducts used in wine processing. Grape is of great benefit in preventing diseases such as atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, swelling after injury, heart attack, and stroke. Grapes also contain nutrients such as fiber, iron, potassium, and different antioxidants.
The Health Benefits of Grapes
- Contains resveratrol that improves the immune system
Grape contains a high degree of natural antioxidants that are beneficial in protecting and supporting the body from unnecessary damages caused by immune deficiency. Damage of the immune system can make you vulnerable to various diseases such as liver damage and cancer. Various studies suggest that resveratrol together with vitamin D found in grapes have positive impacts on the immune function of the body. Resveratrol minimizes bacterial infections and inflammation while protecting the body against other illnesses.
- Regular intake limits the risk of heart diseases
Grapes contain nutritive polyphenols which improve and strengthen cardiovascular health. According to the studies, people who consume grapes are less likely to suffer from atherosclerosis that can cause heart disease. There is an oxidative hypothesis that suggests that grape-derived polyphenols inhibits LDL oxidation, which is a precursor for atherosclerosis.
- Grapes juice helps in protection from type 2 diabetes
Consumption of grape juice regularly lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes, which is caused by high levels of glucose in the body. A hike in blood glucose usually occurs due to poor food habits, lack of exercise, and high levels of cholesterol. In other terms, grapes help to regulate the amount of glucose in the body.
- Grapes are rich in vitamin K
Grapes help to improve deficiency of vitamin K, which is essential in strengthening bone, teeth, and muscles. Studies have shown that consumption of grapes regularly improves the mineral density of the bone.
- Grapes contain flavonoids which reduce cell damage caused by ultraviolet radiation
Frequent consumption of grapes reduces the risk skin damage which is mainly caused by the harmful UV rays of the sun. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays can lead to skin cancer. Grapes contain flavonoids that have been shown to help in the treatment and prevention of skin diseases as well as skin cancer.
- Grapes regulate blood pressure
A diet rich in grapes lowers the risk of high blood pressure. This is because grapes increase the ability of the body to fight hypertension, especially in adults who are at a higher risk of high blood pressure.
- Grapes can suppress destructive cancerous cells
Grapes have compounds that help fight the formation of cancerous cells. Some health experts regard grapes as anti-cancer because of their role in preventing the proliferation of cancer cells in the body. When therapy is combined with consumption of grapes regularly, it has anti-cancer and anti- inflammatory benefits to the patient.
- Grapes have dietary fiber and potential compounds that reduce constipation
The dietary fiber and other nutrients found in grapes help in eliminating and overcoming constipation. They are also rich in insoluble fiber, meaning that it remains intact as it moves through the digestive tract. It builds up bulk promoting the formation and excretion of healthy stools.
- Different polyphenols in grapes minimizes oxidation stress
Oxidation stress is caused by various factors which include inflammation, age related disorders, and genetic factors. Grapes help in the treatment and control of these factors that raise oxidation stress in the body. It also minimizes the risk of being affected by age-related disorders.
Uses of grapes
Being rich in vitamins A, C, B6, and mineral salt, grapes can be helpful in supporting your overall wellbeing. They also contain potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and selenium, which are essential in the body.
Grapes slow the aging process
Antioxidants found in grapes help in the fight against free radicals that cause premature aging symptoms including fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, incorporating grapes in your diet and topical application of grape juice can enhance the appearance of your skin, hair, and nails. Other uses include:
- Sunburn prevention
- Skin softening
- Scar elimination
- Hair growth enhancement
- Aromatherapy (thanks to their sweet scents)
Concerns about grapes
There are concerns that grapes can interfere with blood clotting in some people. Taking grapes may increase the likelihood of bleeding and bruising if someone has a hemorrhage problem. People with such problems should consult their health care providers before undergoing surgical procedures. Pregnant and lactating women should also seek consent from medical experts before using supplements or medicines containing grapes.
Conclusion
Grapes have a lot of uses due to their richness in antioxidants, which provide numerous health benefits. You should consider taking grapes regularly to boost your immune system and improve the health condition of your skin, hair, and body. Although there are concerns raised by researchers about their minimal detrimental health effects, they cannot outweigh the numerous wellness benefits of grapes.
