Grapes – sources, health benefits, nutrients, uses and constituents at NaturalPedia.com

06/21/2017 / By Earl Garcia

Grapes are one of the most popular table fruit around the world. The small, round fruit belongs to the berry family – which include blueberries and strawberries — and is noted for its sweet yet tart flavor. Experts recommend eating grapes and other berries three to four times a week to fortify the body’s overall health.

List of known nutrients

Grapes boast notably high levels of vitamins and minerals, making the fruit a top superfood. Nutrition-and-You.com has created a list of nutrients found in the fruit, which include:

Anthocyanidins
Antioxidants
Bioflavonoids
Biotin
Calcium
Carotenoids
Copper
Ellagic acid
Flavonoids
Folate
Iodine
Iron
Magnesium
Manganese
Phosphorus
Potassium
Proanthocyanidins
Quercetin
Resveratrol
Riboflavin
Selenium
Sodium
Thiamin
Vitamin A
Vitamin B3
Vitamin B6
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Vitamin K
Zinc

Medicinal uses for grapes

Grapes offer a plethora of health benefits that range from skin care to cancer prevention. According to MedicalNewsToday.com, the high fiber and potassium content in grapes help reduce the risk of stroke and death associated with ischemic heart disease. The fruit’s rich polyphenol content is also noted to decrease the risk of of cardiovascular disease by lowering blood pressure and preventing platelet build-up. Grapes are also excellent sources of the flavonoid quercetin, a natural anti-inflammatory compound that reduces the risk of atherosclerosis and protects the heart against damage associated with bad cholesterol. The resveratrol in red wine is also known to protect the heart against various diseases.

Grapes are also packed with powerful anti-oxidants that protect the body against many types of cancers such as esophageal, lung, mouth, pharynx, endometrial, pancreatic, prostate, and colon. The nutrient-dense fruit is also found to reduce mammary tumor mass, which meant that it can reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.

The nutritious fruit is also known to prevent the onset of diabetes. Previous studies have shown that eating three servings of grapes and other berries a week may reduce the risk of developing type-2 diabetes. Grapes are also found to lower the odds of developing diabetes-related complications such as diabetic neuropathy and retinopathy. The high resveratrol content in grapes are also known to decrease the levels of amyloidal-beta peptides in Alzheimer’s disease patients. Grapes are also found to stave off cataracts, age-related vision loss and macular degeneration.

The fruit is also found to relieve constipation, skin problems, fatigue and dental disorders as well as asthma and hair loss. Grapes are also found to boost the body’s immune system and heal certain kidney diseases.

Body systems supported by grapes

Grapes are notably beneficial to the heart, the digestive system, and immune system. The fruit also promotes good metabolic health, and is essential for brain function. The nutrient-rich fruit is also beneficial to the eyes, the skin and the urinary system. Grapes are also known to benefit the digestive system and the respiratory system.

Ways to use grapes

Being a popular table fruit, grapes can be incorporated in many recipes including salads, soups and sauces. Grapes can also be processed into certain beverages such as wines, juices, or shakes.