benefits of grapes

The flavonoid quercetin is a natural antiinflammatory that appears to reduce the risk of ?atherosclerosis and protect against the damage caused by lowdensity lipoprotein (LDL)cholesterolin animal studies. Quercetin may have the additional bonus of anticancer effects; however more studies are needed using human subjects before these results can be confirmed.

As noted above, potassium has many benefits for the body. It may be that a low potassium intake is just as big of a risk factor in developing high blood pressure as a high sodium intake.4 Because of their high potassium content, grapes are recommended to those with high blood pressure to help negate the effects of sodium in the body.

Eating foods that are high in water content like grapes, watermelon and cantaloupe can help to keep you hydrated and your bowel movements regular. Grapes also contain fiber, which is essential for minimizing constipation.

Because of the antiinflammatory effects of quercetin, consuming grapes may help to alleviate symptoms of allergies including runny nose, watery eyes andhives. There have been no human studies done to prove this theory.

A few studies have shown promise that resveratrol can protect against diabetic neuropathy and retinopathy, conditions caused by poorly controlled diabetes where vision is severely affected. One study in which diabetic rats were treated with resveratrol for two weeks found that it reduced the effects of neural changes and damage associated with diabetic neuropathy.

The Environmental Working Group produces a list each year of fruits and vegetables with the highest levels of pesticide residue, known as the Dirty Dozen. Grapes are high on the list of produce that the EWG suggests that you buy in the organic version to ensure a lower risk of pesticide exposure.Grapes are available year round. Select grapes that are tight to the touch and free of wrinkles. Grapes are best stored in the refrigerator and should be washed before eaten.

Betablockers, a type of medication most commonly prescribed for heart disease, can cause potassium levels to increase in the blood. High potassium foods such as bananas should be consumed in moderation when taking betablockers.Consuming too much potassium can be harmful for those whose kidneys are not fully functional. If your kidneys are unable to remove excess potassium from the blood, it could be fatal.

Migraine can be cured using grapes. In fact, ripe grape juice is an age old home remedy for migraine. The ripe juice should be taken pure, without adding water to it early in the morning. Grapes are rich in polyphenolic phytochemical compound resveratrol. Resveratrol is one of the powerful antioxidant, which has been found to play a protective role against cancers of colon and prostate, coronary heart disease (CHD), degenerative nerve disease, Alzheimerands disease and viral/ fungal infections.

Resveratrol in grapes helps in reducing the levels of amyloidalbeta peptides in patients who suffer from Alzheimers disease. Grapes are also helpful in enhancing the health of brain and delay the onset of neurodegenerative diseases.

Grapes help in preventing dyspepsia. They are responsible for curing indigestion and irritation of the stomach. They make an excellent dressing for salads of all types, imparting their juicy, sweet and tart flavour to them. They taste best when added as a component in salads that use citrus juices and vinegars such as balsamic, red or white wine, rice or apple cider.