Grapes, which were first cultivated in Europe six millenniums ago, are small round-shaped berries – some containing edible seeds while others are seedless – and have a smooth skin which encases a semi-translucent flesh. Its smooth texture and sweet taste has made it become one of the most commonly eaten fruits. However, there is something more than just eating this sweet fruit since it brings several health benefits for your body. The fruit is consisting of about 70% - 80% water and 15% - 30% sugar (glucose and fructose). It is not only a rich source of Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, and folic acid, but it is also rich in minerals which are important for the body such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, iron, manganese and selenium. In addition, it also contains flavonoids which are great antioxidants. Conversely, people who are experiencing obesity or those having ulcer, diabetes, or diarrhea are advised not to eat grapes or drink grape juices since it can have a bad effect on their health.

The following are some of the health conditions which can benefit from eating grapes:

1. Asthma. Grapes are well-known for their therapeutic benefits such as subduing asthma. It is proven that it increases the water content in the lungs. Through the increase in water content, the moisture in the lungs is escalated; thus, preventing you from experiencing difficulty in breathing. The resveratrol compound which can be found on the skin of the grapes has a unique anti-inflammatory effect. This effect aids in the reduction of one of the main reasons for asthma – the inflammation in the lungs. Moreover, the problem on having shortness in breathing will also be minimized by the assimilatory powers of the grapes. It will be a good help in the regulation of your breathing patterns.

2. Heart Diseases. A number of studies regarding the effect of grapes in the prevention of heart diseases have been conducted. Scientists, about 20 years ago, have discovered that French nationals had little health problems related to the heart compared to other people around the globe. The primary reason was that the French people drank red wine, a drink made out of grapes, during meals. Since then, several studies were carried out and results show that grapes block the artery which clogs the effects of fatty food intake.

   Grapes contain polyphenols which are responsible for preventing the build-up of oxidized cholesterol; hence, lessening the possibility of having heart attacks caused by the blockage of vessels which supply blood to the heart. In addition, a polyphenol known as resveratrol, a compound found in grapes, is responsible for the protection against damages in the arterial wall. Blood clots are also prevented by the increase in nitric oxide levels in the blood brought about by eating grapes. Another nutritious content found in grapes is the pterostilbene, a compound which aids in the reduction of cholesterol and triglycerides through affecting enzymes which are in charge in the regulation of the blood’s fat level. Furthermore, through drinking grape juice, the body accumulates alpha-tocopherol which is an essential antioxidant that increases the antioxidant activity of blood by 50%. Red grapes are said to be the best and healthiest option for the prevention of heart-related diseases.

3. Migraine. Grapes are a great and effective way to cure migraines or severe headaches. The impact of grapes in the circulation of the blood is very helpful in treating severe headaches since migraines are basically caused by the dilation or contraction of blood vessels. The best home remedy for migraine is ripe grape juice which should be drunk early in the morning in its concentrated form, without the need to add water. A bowl of fresh, ripe grapes can relieve the constant throbbing and vomiting brought about by migraines.

4. Fatigue. Fatigues are often caused by iron deficiency. Having low level of iron content in the body will make you feel completely burnt out or extremely tired, resulting to experiencing fatigue. Grape juices prevent fatigues and may be considered as an energy booster. White and light grape juices are the best options when deciding what to drink when having a migraine. They are very effective in assisting the replenishment of iron content in the body. However, you must avoid dark grape juice because it has the tendency to reduce the iron level in the body and will only make things worse.

5. Vision Problems. Grapes are effective relievers of vision difficulty. Flavonoids which are present in grapes have antioxidant properties. This component of grapes is an effective aid in preventing problems related to the eyes like Cataract. This fruit also improves the flow of the blood in the capillaries of the eyes and in slowing retinopathy, the process where there is a gradual breaking down of the retinas of the eyes.

6. Cholesterol. Procyanidolic oligomers or Proanthocyanidins, frequently referred to as PCOs, are the most valuable flavonoids present in grape seed extracts. They are in charge in improving the circulation of blood and strengthen the blood vessels. They are also known to keep the blood cells from sticking together and hinder the formation of blood clots, proving that they function as effective as aspirin. However, the side effects of aspirin like gastrointestinal irritation or bleeding will not be experienced when taking grapes.

7. Alzheimer’s disease. Studies show that grapes have the capability to improve one’s brain health. Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, the most common type of Dementia, can be prevented or treated through eating grapes. The resveratrol assists in reducing the amyloidal-beta peptides level. This reduction is necessary for the prevention or treatment of Alzheimer’s given that the accumulation of amyloidal-beta plaques changes the normal brain task, causing several diseases related to the brain.

Grapes seem to be just little, round berries containing tiny seeds, and not looking like anything special. Who would have thought that they are an abundant source of nutrients and they could combat several diseases? Well, after all, there is more than what meets the eye.

Sources
organicfacts.net
the-perfectshape.com