11 Health Benefits of Grapes

A diet filled with fresh fruits and vegetables provides long term health benefits, but certain types pack an even more powerful nutritive punch.  Blueberries, pomegranates, and bananas are well known for their health benefits, but did you know that grapes also possess some of their own unique qualities?  The great thing about grapes is that they are inexpensive, low-cal, delicious, easy to eat and available just about everywhere.

Grapes contain the compound resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant that has been found to protect the body against colon and prostate cancer, degenerative nerve disease, certain infections, coronary heart disease and Alzheimer’s, as well as reduce risk of strokes. They also contain vital minerals like copper, manganese and iron, and are a great source of vitamins such as A, C, K, B-complex and carotene. Kids love them, too, which means that they will get an early start on their own healthy eating habits!

Health Benefits of Grapes

• Asthma:  Grapes are known to be very therapeutic for asthma.  They have a high assimilatory power and also increase moisture in the lungs.
• Heart disease: By increasing the blood levels of nitric oxide, grapes contribute to the prevention of blood clots, thus reducing the risk of a heart attack.  The antioxidant power of grapes also stops LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol that blocks blood vessels) from oxidizing.
• Migraines: Grapes are widely known as an effective remedy for migraines.  Sufferers who drink undiluted ripe grape juice in the morning hours are likely to experience a noticeable level of relief.
• Constipation: The laxative qualities of the cellulose, sugar and organic acid in grapes make them a highly effective treatment for constipation.   They are also known to alleviate chronic constipation by stimulating the GI tract.
• Indigestion:  Another great quality of grapes is that they provide relief to the heat and stomach that causes stomach irritation. As a healthy food, they are a smart choice for combating dyspepsia.
• Fatigue: The juice of light grapes is known to replenish iron and stop fatigue; drinking juice of both colors of grapes offers an instant energy boost to your body and its immune system.
• Kidney disorders: This wonder fruit has also been found to significantly lower the acidity of uric, thus aiding in the elimination of acids from the body and lowering your kidneys’ work pressure.
• Breast cancer: The purple Concord grape juice has recently been found to help prevent breast cancer.  Lab experiments showed a reduction in mammary tumor masses after lab rats were given grape juice over a period of time.
• Alzheimer’s disease: The resveratrol in grapes is extremely beneficial for Alzheimer’s patients, as it lowers amyloidal-beta peptide levels.  It has been suggested that grapes defend against the onset of other neurodegenerative diseases and enhance brain health.
• Cataracts and macular degeneration: Grapes’ flavonoids have antioxidants that can fight the damage cataracts can cause.  Several servings of grapes a day may also reduce macular degeneration risks significantly.
• Overall anticancer properties: The anti-inflammatory qualities of resveratrol have been found to contain powerful anti-cancer properties, particularly in colorectal and breast cancers.  Grape juice is known to not only prevent the risk of cancer but to suppress the growth and spread of cancer cells.

While grapes do have extensive health benefits, individuals with diabetes, obesity and stomach ulcers should be careful because of grapes’ high sugar and acid content.  Additionally, your stomach may protest if you combine grapes with certain food products like melons, milk, fish, beer or mineral.

Overall, the grape plays an extremely important role when it comes to preventing numerous health disorders and serving as a home remedy.  Dried grapes, or raisins, are also known to help disorders like acidosis, anemia, fever, constipation and more.  While grapes can certainly decrease the risk for many illnesses, there is of course no guarantee that they will do this 100% of the time.

Incorporating grapes into your diet is a smart step to a healthy and balanced lifestyle.  Next time you crave something sweet or need an easy snack, grab a handful of grapes instead of chips or chocolate.  By making smart food choices in addition to exercising and getting plenty of sleep, you are setting the stage for a longer, healthier life!