Grapes Health Benefits

Grapes have not only pacified our palates by their inclusion in fresh crunchy salads or pies, but have also graced joyous occasions with glorious wines produced from them. First cultivated in Europe 6000 years ago, these lovely red, black and green (also available in blue, purple, golden,etc.) beads of grapes are known for their taste, wine and scores of medicinal attributes. Today, over 50 varieties of table grapes and 60 varieties of grapes for wine making are cultivated across the globe. These oval berries enveloped in smooth skin are loaded with antioxidant and scores of other nutrients that are highly beneficial to the human body. Most of us are unaware of the health benefits of eating grapes, so let's look at the different grape health benefits.

What are the Health Benefits of Grapes?

The gorgeous, luscious beads of grapes that we consume comprise 70-80% water and 15-30% sugar in the form of glucose or fructose. Besides these two main constituents, grapes also contain various essential nutrients like magnesium, calcium, manganese, gallic acid, phosphoric acid, salicylic acid, oxalic acid and loads of vitamins like A, B complex, C and K. 100 grams of grapes contains 60 calories. Read more on nutritional value of grapes.

Did you ever think these tiny, juicy jewels of grapes were actually nutrition bombs, exploding into the body only to release all kinds of essential nutrients. Well, these nutrients obtained from these grapes don't just exit the body. They do a lot of good to the body. Let's see how!

Reduces Accumulation of Oxidized Cholesterol
Of the different grape varieties, red grapes health benefits are many, especially in the area of heart health. Plaque accumulation on the walls of the arteries cause blockage of blood flow to the heart. This in turn results in strokes or cardiac diseases. Fresh grapes contain antioxidants called polyphenols, which prevent accumulation of oxidized cholesterol on the walls of the arteries. One polyphenol called resveratrol is known for protecting the arterial walls from damage. Then there's the other nutrient pterostilbene which reduces cholesterol and triglycerides by acting on the enzymes controlling regulation of fat content in the blood.

Decreases Platelet Aggregation
Various studies conducted on grapes have revealed that flavonoids present in grapes reduce blood clotting. These flavonoids speed up the release of nitric oxide, thereby increasing levels of nitric oxide in the blood. These increased levels of nitric oxide in the blood prevent the blood platelets from aggregating, thereby prevent blood clots. Thus, consumption of grapes reduces the risk of heart attacks.

Lowers Risks of Alzheimer's Disease
The polyphenol, resveratrol is also known to reduce the levels of amyloid-beta peptides in people suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Grapes are known to stall the onset of various neurodegenerative diseases and also promotes brain health. Studies have shown that consumption of red wine on a moderate basis has resulted in lower incidence of Alzheimer's disease.

Promotes Lung Health
Some studies reveal that consuming red wine helps reduce risks of lung cancer. Red wine contains large amounts of resveratrol which has lots of anti-inflammatory effects on the epithelial cells lining the lungs, trachea, etc. Grapes also increase the moisture content in the lungs and can also reduce asthma problems.

Reduces Cancer Risk
Grapes comprise two groups of polyphenols called anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins that are capable of detoxifying the activities of various cancer spearheading substances. Grape juice made from concord grapes help prevent DNA damage of breast cells by a cancer causing chemical: carcinogen. Moreover, grapes also contain high levels of caffeic acid, which is an effective cancer countering substance. The bioflavonoids present in the grapes help strengthen the body's immune system to destroy cancer cells. Resveratrol prevents liver, breast, lung and prostate cancer.

Besides these above mentioned grapes health benefits, grapes are also known to treat migraine, constipation and indigestion issues. Hope this article on health benefits of grapes has thrown fresh light on your understanding of grapes and has made you appreciate them even more when you eat them.