Grapes: The queen of fruits

NT Features

A bunch of berries hanging from a vine is not only a feast for the eyes, but is also a treat for the taste buds. Available in various vibrant colours such as green, red, blue, purple, and black, these small fruits are stuffed with nutrients that promote good health benefits. They are sweet, they are sour, they are divine. And they make fine wine. But while wine will lift your spirits, grapes themselves do too.

A powerhouse

Grapes contain a rich combination of vitamins (K,A,C,B and folate) and minerals, which keep you well hydrated and rich in antioxidants such as myricetin and quercetin that play a vital role in promoting health.

Antioxidants

Grapes contain natural chemicals that protect the body from disease and keep the heart healthy. Resveratrol is an element present in grapes, controls blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reduces the risk of cancer, and might even prevent heart attack and stroke.

The chemical compounds in black grapes protect your cells from damage. They can also protect you against diseases like cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and cardiological disorders..

Anti-Inflammation

Grapes are high in enzymes, which give them anti-inflammatory properties. Eating grapes settles down inflammatory molecules and provides a buffer to the body. This is why grapes are said to curb overproduction of inflammatory enzymes.

Healthy glow

A study shows how resveratrol, an antioxidant found in grapes, can resolve acne and other skin problems, providing cleaner, healthier and younger skin. Resveratrol inhibits the growth of acnecausing bacteria.

Eyesight

The antioxidants present in red grapeshave been linked to preventing macular degeneration and agerelated loss of vision. It has been shown that three servings of grapes per day reduces the risk of macular degeneration by 36 percent.

Bones

Copper, iron, and manganese are all minerals found in grapes, and these minerals contribute to strengthening bones. According to a study, including grapes in your regular diet can reduce knee pain caused by osteoarthritis.

Cardiovascular health

Resveratrol, which is found in the skin of red and black grapes, is thought to contribute to hearthealthy properties. The powerful antioxidants in grapes help prevent blood clots in the heart. Grapes help lower heart attack risks as they increase blood nitric oxidations. And being rich in potassium and fibre, they also help in maintaining heart health.

Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers have discovered that resveratrol may slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Rats treated with resveratrol have shown improved memory and brain function in studies.

Obesity

Grapes are a nutrient-rich food that is packed with vitamins and minerals. Resveratrol in black grapes have been shown to have anti-obesity effects. Laboratory studies of pterostilbene in black grapes too have shown anti-obesity properties. Both ingredients appear to improve gut bacteria and regulate energy levels.