There would hardly be anyone who hasn’t tasted grapes ever. Been there since always, this fruit is enjoyed all over the world. But it is much more than a sweet and sour taste. Let’s know more:
What are Grapes and Where do they come from?
Grapes are small, round or oval-shaped fruit, gives us a sour or sweet taste and these can be with seeds or seedless. Though grapes are consumed all over the world but are cultivated in temperate climate regions like Southern Europe, Africa, Australia, North and South America.
For centuries, grapes have been cultivated by many civilizations and were found in 6000 BC in the Mediterranean region. People in ancient times have used grapes in making wines and as an alternative to sugar whereas the Chinese were the first to ferment drinks from grapes between 7000-6000 BC.
Grapes were always with seeds but between 1875-1900, William Thompson developed seedless grapes in California and the famous Thompson seedless grapes are named after him.
In ancient civilizations, red grape wine was considered best for digestion. In today’s world, grapes are still used abundantly in different recipes like yogurt, green salads, or wraps.
NUTRITIONAL FACTS OF GREEN GRAPES:
Grapes are cholesterol, sodium, and fat-free fruits and are thus very advantageous for the human body. Here is what 100 grams of grapes carry within them:
| Calories | 67 kcal |
| Fat | 0,4 gm |
| Fiber | 1,4 gm |
| Carbohydrates | 17 gm |
| Protein | 0,6 gm |
| Sodium | 2 mg |
| Potassium | 191 mg |
| Vitamin A | 2% DV |
| Vitamin C | 6% DV |
Benefits of Green Grapes
Green grapes are also called white grapes. Grapes are small packets of nutrients and antioxidants and have unimaginable benefits on human health by preventing many diseases. Let’s have a look at these amazingly healthy advantages of Green Grapes:
1. Preventing Cancer
Green grapes are best in preventing cancers due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Cancers like colon cancer or breast cancer can be prevented by consuming green grapes on a daily basis as this limits the cell growths that cause cancers. The presence of vitamin C, beta-carotene, quercetin, lycopene, and elegiac acid in green grapes are best in warding off the risk of cancers in human bodies, due to their high level of antioxidants. About 1-2 cups of green grapes in a day, can protect and restrain the chemical reactions in our tissues, which may cause inflammation.
2. Weight Management or Weight Loss
A study in 2016, resulted in the fact that grapes have a high proportion of antioxidants that improves our energy metabolism. This energy metabolism helps in losing weight and maintaining an ideal weight. Researchers also conducted that 1 cup of grapes has 1000 calories, which makes grapes a nutrient-dense fruit, and eating these low caloric snacks in daily routine, burns the fat deposits in our body and these body fats become the main source of energy which in turn maintains ideal weight. Hence, Resveratrol and flavonoids present in grapes aid in weight loss management.
3. Controlling Blood Pressure
People with high blood pressure should consume foods that have low levels of potassium against sodium because potassium balances the dark effects of high levels of sodium in diets. Green or white grapes are great provenance of potassium and people incorporating them in their diets are less likely to be affected by any heart disease due to high blood pressure levels. The potassium in green grapes tie up the sodium and helps to dislodge the sodium out of the body’s system.
4. Control over Diabetes
In diabetic patients, the body is unable to produce enough insulin that controls the blood sugar level and because of this condition, patients are advised to cut down their sugar intake. But people craving sugary foods should add fruits to their diets as fruits contain natural sugars and do not cause any harm to Type 2 diabetic patients. Sugar in white grapes may combat diabetic neuropathy and retinopathy. An antioxidant called Resveratrol, found in grapes, improves blood sugar by influencing carbohydrate metabolism. But the condition is that one should consume grapes in the least processed form i.e. fresh or freeze-dried, to attain the maximum benefit. As grapes have 23gm of sugar per serving, this makes them a perfect choice for diabetic patients.
5. Mental and Brain Health
A small study performed on some healthy adults, revealed that grapes included in daily diets, promote memory, learning, and general cognitive ability. Green grapes are also great protection against Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s (type of neurodegenerative disorder). Another small study conducted on healthy young adults showed that intake of grape juice, refine both mood and memory within 20 minutes of its consumption. Polyphenols in grapes promote vascular health and proper functioning.
6. Skin Health and Anti-Aging Agent
What if we tell you that eating grapes makes you look younger than your actual age? So, without giving it a second thought start eating grapes now and include them in your diet right away. Flavonoids and proanthocyanidins are antioxidants found in grapes, protects the skin from harmful UV rays. Vitamin C in this fruit, revitalize the cells in our skin and vitamin E lock the moisture as well as these astounding grapes also lighten the dark spots and vanish wrinkles. So, if anyone wants to have enhanced skin elasticity and glow on the skin, grapes are massively helpful.
7. Bone Health
In old age, people often complain about joint pains or bone pains. This is due to the decreased density of bones and minerals. The nutrients required for 1healthy and strong bones are calcium, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin K which are all present in grapes. Hence, grapes in any color promote healthy bones as well as increase bone density.
8. Liver health
There are many factors like pollution, working conditions, poor eating habits, physical stress, use of alcohol, or infections, which increases the probability of developing liver problems. Researchers have found that polyphenols and antioxidants present in grapes have the capability of protecting the liver against many diseases.
Side effects
Besides the numerous benefits of grapes, there is always a threat present. Some are as follows:
- Choking hazards for children under 5 years.
- Different allergies.
- Upset stomach
- Indigestion
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Cough or sore throat
Final verdict
Grapes hold many chief nutrients and other plant compounds that are beneficial for health. They also have a low glycemic index and protects us against high blood sugar levels. Therefore, people wanting to lose weight and have a good immune system should consume grapes in their diets but if anyone gets any sort of allergic reactions or severe side effects, should consult a doctor at once and stop eating these grapes.
