benefits of grapes

Recent study says, purple coloured concord grape juice helps in preventing breast cancer. During an experiment, significant reduction in breast tumour mass was seen after the person was fed with the grape juice on a daily basis.

The most well known health benefit of grapes is on the eyes. Grapes are very good for eyes. Grapes are rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, which are responsible for maintaining good eye health as we age. It does so firstly by reducing susceptibility of blood vessel damage through decreased activity of angiotensin (a systemic hormone causing blood vessel constriction that would otherwise elevate blood pressure) and secondly, through increased production of the vasodilator substance, nitric oxide (a beneficial compound that causes relaxation of blood vessels).

Pterostilbene is a compound which is present in grapes and helps to lower the cholesterol levels. You can drop a few frozen grapes in champagne and other bubbly drinks. Grapes can suitably form part of icecreams sodas, cocktails and sorbets.

Grapes help in reducing the acidity of uric acid and also try to eliminate the acid from the system which results in the reduction of pressure on the kidneys. Grapes are rich source of micronutrient minerals like copper, iron and manganese. Copper and manganese are an essential cofactor of antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Iron is especially concentrated more in raisins. In addition, 100 g of fresh grapes contain about 191 mg of health benefiting electrolyte, potassium.

Grapes have high assimilatory power which helps in increasing the level of moisture present in lungs. Grapes are considered to have high therapeutic value for asthma. They are an also good source of vitaminC, vitamin A, vitamin K, carotenes, Bcomplex vitamins such as pyridoxine, riboflavin, and thiamin.

Red grapes are rich in antibacterial and antiviral properties and protect you from various infections. It has antiviral properties as well which is effective against poliovirus and herpes simplex virus. Fresh grapes are available all around the seasons. In the store, choose those that feature plump in consistency, free from surface wrinkles with intact skin, without any cuts or cracks or leaking juice, and firmly attached to a healthylooking green stem.

Grapes are considered to be one of the best remedies for overall skincare. They are loaded with phytochemicals and phytonutrients which possess antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. Grapes are also rich in vitamin C which is vital for good health of the skin. Grapes offer the following benefits in the context of skin:

The fleshy part of grapes as well as the extract of its seeds contains proanthocyanidins and resveratrol which are powerful antioxidants. Application of grape seed extract on the skin provides protection against harmful ultraviolet radiation. It acts as a sunscreen, by reducing the redness caused due to sunburn and also minimizes the damage borne by the skin cells. It is due to this feature that grape seed extracts and resveratrol are often used as ingredients in sunscreen lotions.

Free radicals are the main cause of premature ageing which is characterized by the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the skin. The antioxidants present in grapes, along with vitamin C, protect the skin from the harmful effects of free radicals, and reverse the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots. Grapes also help in toning the skin.

Grape seed extract is rich in vitamin E which retains the moisture of the skin. This extract also acts as an exfoliant. Scrubbing the skin with it results in the removal of the top layer of dead cells, thus making skin healthier and smoother than before. Grape seed oil is gentle on the skin and can be an excellent moisturizer. A massage with this oil is known to hydrate the skin.