Grapes - Health benefits & Medicinal Benefits

Grapes Health benefits & Medicinal Benefits

Grapes is in different colors and forms. There are red, green, and purple grapes, seedless grapes.

Grapes are a good source of fiber, potassium, and a range of vitamins and other minerals.

Grapes are suitable for people with diabetes, as long as they are accounted for in the diet plan.

The nutrients in grapes may help protect against cancer, eye problems, cardiovascular disease, and other health conditions.  Resveratrol (a type of natural phenol, and a phytoalexin produced by several plants) is a key nutrient in grapes that may offer health benefits.

Reduce Cancer

Grapes contain powerful antioxidants known as polyphenols. These are thought to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. One of these is resveratrol. It is found in the skins of red grapes.

Laboratory studies have suggested that resveratrol may be able to slow or prevent the growth of tumors in lymph, liver, stomach, breast, colon, skin cancer, and leukemia.

Resveratrol is also present in red wine. Few studies have looked at the association between red wine and cancer risk in humans, but it has been shown that high intakes of alcohol on a consistent basis can increase the risk of cancer.

A moderate intake of alcohol is defined by The Dietary Guidelines for Americans as up to one drink per day for women, and up to two drinks per day for men.

Another natural anti-inflammatory that occurs in grapes is the flavonoid quercetin. Studies have suggested that this, is also may help prevent or slow cancer growth.

Stabilize Heart health

Animal studies have indicated that quercetin and resveratrol may reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and protect against the damage caused by low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad" cholesterol.

These studies have mostly used doses of these flavonoids far higher than those usually consumed by humans.

The polyphenols in grapes, such as resveratrol, are thought to have antioxidant, lipid-lowering, and anti-inflammatory actions that may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). They may achieve this by preventing platelet build-up and reducing blood pressure and the risk of irregular heart rhythms.

Grapes contain fiber and potassium, both of which support heart health. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends increasing potassium intake while decreasing sodium consumption to improve blood pressure and cardiovascular health.

A study of data for 12,267 adults in the United States has shown that the people consume more sodium  in relation to their potassium intake, the higher the risk of all-cause mortality.

A high potassium intake has been associated with a reduced risk of stroke, protection against loss of muscle mass, and preservation of bone mineral density.

Stabilize Blood pressure

Increasing potassium intake may help reduce the negative effects of too much sodium in the diet.

Grapes have a high potassium content. This suggests they can help reduce the effects of sodium in people with high blood pressure.

Fiber is important for maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system, including heart health and blood pressure. Grapes are a good source of fiber.

Reduce Constipation

Grapes contain water and fiber. These can help people stay hydrated, keep bowel movements regular, and reduce the risk of constipation.

Allergies

Because of the anti-inflammatory effects of quercetin, some suggest that consuming grapes may help to alleviate symptoms of allergies, including runny nose, watery eyes, and hives.

However, no human studies have been done to prove this theory.

Control Diabetes

A study results published in the BMJ suggested that certain fruits, but not juices, may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in adults.

The relatively high level of sugar found in grapes leads some people to ask whether they are safe for people with diabetes to eat.

The American Diabetes Association encourages people to consume grapes and other fruits, as long as the carbohydrate amount is counted as part of their meal plan.

The vitamins, minerals, and fiber in grapes make them a healthful way to satisfy a sweet tooth.

Diabetic neuropathy and retinopathy

Some studies have indicated that resveratrol may protect against diabetic neuropathy, which affects nerve function. Scientists believe this may be due to the neuroprotective effects of this compound.

Animal studies have indicated that resveratrol may also protect against retinopathy, which can severely affect vision.

Diabetic neuropathy and retinopathy can result when diabetes is poorly controlled.

Eye health

Grapes contain the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which can help maintain eye health. They are thought to neutralize unstable molecules known as free radicals.  In this way, they may reduce oxidative stress and damage to the retina, and help prevent cataracts

and other conditions.

Laboratory tests have suggested that resveratrol may protect against various eye problems, including age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataract, and others.

Acne

Results of an in vitro study published in the journal Dermatology and Therapy claims that resveratrol could help treat acne, especially if used with benzoyl peroxide as a topical treatment.

Other conditions

Other health issues that resveratrol may help with include: Alzheimer's disease, blood glucose control, osteoarthritis, boosting the immune system.

However, some studies have questioned whether resveratrol can benefit humans in these ways. More evidence is needed.

Nutrition

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), one cup of red or green grapes weighing around 151 grams (g) contains: 104 kilocalories, 1.09 g of protein, 0.24 g of fat, 27.33 g of carbohydrate, of which 23.37 g is sugars, 1.4 g of fiber, 288 mg of potassium, 15 milligrams (mg) of calcium, 0.54 mg of iron, 11 mg of magnesium, 30 mg of phosphorus, 3 mg of sodium, 0.11 mg of zinc, 4.8 mg of vitamin C, 22 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin K, 3 mcg of folate.

Grapes also contain vitamins B and A, and they are high in water content. A cup of grapes contains over 121 g of water.

Risks

A group known as the Environmental Working Group (EWG) produces a list each year of fruits and vegetables with the highest levels of pesticide residue, known as the Dirty Dozen. Grapes are currently number 8 on this list. Buying organic grapes can reduce the risk of pesticide exposure.