Grapes are loaded with nutrients and provide many of the same health advantages of wine without the alcohol. Grapes have a long and abundant history. While they've grown wild since prehistoric times, evidence suggests they were cultivated in Asia as early as 5000 BC. During the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, grapes were revered for their use in winemaking.
Over 90 varieties of grapes were already known. There are many Varieties were Single species grapes includes Vitis vinifera (wine), Red grapes, White grapes, Rose Grapes, Vitis vinifera (table), Vitis labrusca (wine and table), Vitis riparia (wine grape rootstock and hybridization source), Vitis rotundifolia (table and wine), Vitis rupestris, Vitis aestivalis (wine), Vitis mustangensis (culinary/dyes) and Multispecies hybrid grapes
Botanical Name: Annona reticulate
Grapes contain Phytonutrients, have been shown to have health benefits in humans – grapes are loaded with them, particularly in the skin.
Resveratrol is a polyphenol antioxidant synthesized by the grape plant for antifungal and defensive properties. It lowers risk of cardiovascular disease by preventing lipid oxidation and it modulates levels of lipids and lipoproteins in the body. Resveratrol is also a potent antioxidant, which not only reduces oxidation but also helps to strengthen other antioxidant substances in the body. The polyphenols found in grapes, have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing platelet aggregation which prevents blood clots, protect low density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad cholesterol” from free radical damage, lower blood pressure, and improve the function of blood vessels. Grapes are also an excellent source of manganese and a good source of vitamin B6,potassium, thiamin and vitamin C.
Grapes contain bundle of fiber content, which can help ensure smooth digestion.
Grapes are useful to prevent dyspepsia. They can cure indigestion and irritation in the stomach. Some researchers says, a high-fiber diet may help reduce the risk of hemorrhoids and diverticulitis (small, painful pouches on the colon).
Grapes contain water and fiber. Grapes have laxative properties. Grapes are rich in insoluble fiber that promotes the formation and excretion of stool. These can help people stay hydrated, keep bowel movements regular, and reduce the risk of constipation.
MAIN THING: Regular eating grapes which relieve Indigestion and treat constipation
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. can make certain cancer cells more vulnerable to radiation treatment.
A recent study says Purple coloured Concord grape juice can reduce the risk of breast cancer.
MAIN THING: Resveratrol may be able to slow or prevent the growth of tumors in lymph, liver, stomach, breast, colon, skin cancer, and leukemia.
Improve vision
Grapes contain the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which can help maintain eye health. Various studies say that resveratrol may protect against various eye problems, including age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts and others. Grapes and wine can help in reducing loss of vision organ systems.
MAIN THING: Consume grapes every day to reduce the risk of macular degeneration by 36 %. and help in preventing age-related loss of vision and macular degeneration.
Grapes contain huge assimilatory power that can increase the level of moisture in the lungs. This can help an asthma patient breathe easy.
MAIN THING: Regular intake of grape can even help cure asthma completely!
Apply grape seed extract on your skin to protect it against harmful UV radiation because it contain proanthocyanidins and resveratrol that are powerful antioxidants. Free radicals are the basic cause of premature ageing that leads to wrinkles and fine lines on your skin. The antioxidants present in grapes along with vitamin C protect your skin from free radicals and reverses the signs of ageing. Green grapes are very beneficial when it comes to managing uneven skin tones. Grape seed extract contains vitamin E that helps in retaining the moisture in your skin. This also acts as an exfoliate removing dead skin cells to provide healthy and smooth skin.
Grapes contain Vitamin C that essential nutrient helps in collagen formation that helps in the growth of cells and blood vessels. This also adds to the strength and firmness of your skin and helps in scar tissues and ligaments formation and repairs the skin. Green grapes can also speed up your metabolism to induce perspiration. This gives you a youthful and radiant appearance.
MAIN THING: Grapes and its seed extracts protection against sunburns, have anti-ageing benefits, skin softener, rejuvenates the skin, cures uneven skin tone, lightens scars and give you a youthful appearance.
Hair care
Grapes contain antioxidants that increase the blood circulation in your scalp which leads to good hair growth. Grape seed oil is easily absorbed into the scalp and gives you soft, shiny and manageable hair and to cure seborrheic dermatitis Grapes, with an abundance of vitamin E and linoleic acid can help treat hair loss.
Using grape seed oil helps in strengthening the hair follicles for strong and healthy hair. This beneficial oil can also treat split ends, brittleness and hair fall caused by rough handling of hair. Grape seed oil has a non-greasy texture that doesn’t leave any residue on the scalp. This healthy oil is very light and has emollient properties, which is suited for all types of skin. This is why grape seed oil is immensely popular in aromatherapy.
MAIN THING: Grapes contain antioxidants and vitamins that Encourages hair growth, cure the dandruff, help in hair-loss and give Aromatherapy.
Weight loss
Grapes contain Resveratrol, it works on your body to assist you in your weight loss efforts. It also lowers the cells’ ability to store fat and causes fat cells to disintegrate.
MAIN THING: Regular consumption of grapes helps to power up your weight loss
Grapes have many flavonoids like resveratrol and quercetin, which fight free radicals.
Resveratrol, has the ability to improve blood vessels dilatation that allows the blood to flow very easily in the blood vessels and also relaxes blood vessels walls and lowers blood pressure. Resveratrol has anti-inflammatory property that very effective in curing heart disease by treating inflammation in the arteries. This will help to protect the heart from any kind of trauma and keeps it healthy. Grapes increase nitric oxide levels in your blood to prevent blood clots and reduce the chance of heart attacks.
Grapes have many antioxidants that prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol that blocks the blood vessels causing coronary diseases and also works as a cleaning-up crew and reduces clumping of platelet to filter toxins from the blood. Grapes have Pterostilbene compound that lower your cholesterol level and prevent numerous cardiovascular diseases.
MAIN THING: Grapes protect your heart, prevents the oxidation of LDL cholesterol and lower the blood cholesterol that reduce the chance of heart problems.
Resveratrol that works as brain-protecting agent. This mops up the brain-damaging plaques and free radicals that cause Alzheimer’s disease. That reduce the levels of amyloidal-beta peptides in Alzheimer’s disease patients and also Resveratrol increases the blood flow to your brains by 200%, which boost the human mind.
Grapes can also delay neurodegenerative diseases and enhance the health of your brain Grapes cure the migraines. Ripe grape juice is remedy that can cure migraine.
MAIN THING: Grapes contain Resveratrol that Improve Brain Power, helps to treat the Alzheimer’s disease and cure migraine.
Diabetes
Some researchers found that grapes may have preventive properties to diabetes.
Women studies over the course of nearly two decades and found that a greater consumption of whole fruits, particularly grapes, blueberries and apples was significantly associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. Similar to animal studies looking similar findings about the effectiveness of grapes and diabetes prevention.
MAIN THING: Due to the presence of Resveratrol, Pre-diabetics patients consuming grapes can experience 10 percent drops in their blood sugar levels.
Grapes contain micronutrients such as copper, iron, and manganese that helps in the formation and strengthening of your bones. Manganese aids in protein collagen formation ,metabolism, and proper nervous system functioning. Grape contain Vitamin K, may play a role in keeping bones strong and preventing breaks or fractures.
A study explained that copper is essential for enzymes involved in the synthesis of bone components, and could possibly help prevent bone loss.
A study found that women who consumed at least 110 micrograms of vitamin K daily were 30 percent less likely to break a hip than women who consumed a lesser amount.
In other study, vitamin K increases the effectiveness of osteocalcin, a protein involved in bone mineralization, and promotes healthy calcium balance.
MAIN THING: Grapes add to your diet to prevent osteoporosis.
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
Juice of Light and white grape is packed with iron content that prevents body fatigue. Anaemia patients eat grapes to promote good iron and mineral levels in the body. Deficiency of iron can make you feel tired and your mind can’t work as quickly.
MAIN THING: Drink grape juice to get instant energy boost.
Grape is Safe when consumed in amounts commonly found in foods.
Warnings & precautions
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: No information available. Avoid use for safety.
Bleeding conditions: Grape might slow blood clotting. Taking grape might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding in people with bleeding conditions. However, there are no reports of this occurring in humans. Extra bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using grape at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery because Grape might slow blood clotting.
Moderate Interaction with Medications changed by the liver, Phenacetin and Warfarin (Coumadin)
Choose the yellow-green in color; red varieties when the grapes are predominately red; and the blue-black varieties when the berries have a full rich color.Grapes should be firm, plump, and well colored and firmly attached to green pliable stems. Avoid grapes that are shriveled or soft at the stem attachment.
Grapes can be stored in the refrigerator, in a perforated plastic bag. Grapes will keep well in storage for about 2 weeks but are best when eaten within 2 to 3 days.