Grapes

Grapes grow in bunches on vines. These are considered as berries and seventy-two million tons of these berries are grown each year worldwide, with most of them being used to produce wine. Although Grapes are very small and tiny in size, they have numerous nutrients, antioxidants, minerals and vitamins which keep us healthy, fit and fine. The ways to consume grapes are endless - from red, green and purple grapes to seedless grapes, grape jelly, grape jam and grape juice. And don't forget wine and raisins.

They have a crisp texture, attractive colour and very refreshing moisture. One cannot resist a bunch of grapes kept in front of them and the best part is, they are healthy and you can eat as many as you want. On the inside, they are sweet, juicy and jelly-like. Green grapes are also called white grapes and are dried to make sultanas. Purple ones can be called black grapes and are dried to make raisins which are also extremely nutritious and can help treat many disorders, including constipation, acidosis, anemia, fever, and sexual dysfunction. Acidosis is a state of increased acidity of the blood (also known as toxicity of the blood) or of the gases in our respiratory system. The source of acids for both conditions is the stomach. This increased acidity can be very harmful for the body as it may lead to a number of health problems such as boils, skin disease, damage to the internal organs, arthritis, gout, renal calculi, hair loss, heart diseases, tumors and even cancer. Raisins are good source of potassium and magnesium, which are two of the most common components of antacids, because they are considered bases on the pH scale. These two minerals are both very effective in neutralizing the acids and thus helping to check acidosis and other related conditions.Raisins can also help people gain weight quickly and protect the health and functional integrity of their eyes.They are good for heart. A beneficial component called flavonoid , which is known to lower the risk of heart disease as well as blood clots is present in grapes. It has also been shown to relax the walls of the blood vessels, making their diameter larger, thereby lowering blood pressure, and allowing a higher volume of blood to flow through all areas of the body, delivering increased oxygen and nutrients to the body’s cells. 

They are also good in antioxidants which is considered to reduce cholesterol and prevent cancer. The pigments contained in grapes enhance the overall immunity of the body to a wide range of diseases.

Grapes also have some special components that make them even more essential to our health, giving them "super food" status. The health benefits of grapes include their ability to treat constipation because they contain fiber, which is essential for minimizing constipation, indigestion, fatigue, kidney disorders, macular degeneration and the prevention of cataracts. They are rich sources of vitamins A, C, B6 and folate in addition to essential minerals like potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium and selenium. 

Grapes are a wonderful source of micro-nutrients like copper, iron, and manganese, all of which are important in the formation and strength of bones. Adding grapes into your diet on a regular basis can prevent the onset of age-related conditions like osteoporosis. 

Some research studies suggest that red and purple grape juices may provide some of the same heart benefits of red wine, including reducing the risk of blood clots, maintaining healthy blood pressure, reducing LDL.  Dark red and purple grapes tend to be higher in antioxidants than are white or green grapes. Likewise, the level of antioxidants, such as resveratrol found in wine, varies with higher levels in red wine. Studies at the University of Switzerland proved resveratrol’s brain-protecting ability. They found that resveratrol mopped up brain-damaging plaques and free radicals, which have been linked to Alzheimer’s disease. So powerful is this important nutrient that it has even been referred to as “Reverse-it-all” by many health practitioners. Scientists believe resveratrol can help speed our mental responses and also as a nutrient that activated the human gene for survival and longevity.

Some red wines have more antioxidants than commercial grape juice, raw blueberries and even miracle fruits like Açaí. Wines with high antioxidants are the dark red wines. Since antioxidants come from the pips and skins of a grape, as well as contact with oak you’ll find that full-bodied red wines aged in oak have the highest antioxidant properties.

Grapes are high in water content and good for hydration. High water-content fruits and vegetables are nutrient dense, meaning they provide a large amount of essential nutrients while containing few calories. Grapes contain 70 milliliters of fluid per cup. Grapes have a very cleansing effect on the body. They help to eliminate acid from the system, thereby reducing the stress and pressure on the kidneys. Since grapes have a high water content, they induce urination, which also helps to eliminate the uric acid still present in the body after its acidity is reduced.

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. You can try freezing them in your refrigerator and then eat them in a dessert or a snack at time on a hot day when you want some thing icy cold and sweet too. Grapes are the best bet . You can enjoy a fruit plate also.

Ripe grape juice is an important home remedy for curing migraines . It should be drunk early in the morning, without mixing additional water. Grape juice helps in preventing breast cancer. The antioxidants in grapes are beneficial in the prevention of all types of cancer, but there are some fascinating studies which specifically show grape juice as an effective preventive measure against breast cancer. 

Light and white grape juice supplements the iron content in the body and prevent fatigue. Anemia is a real problem for many people, and eating grapes can help keep your iron and mineral levels balanced in the body. A lack of iron can make you sluggish, and your mind also doesn’t work as quickly, since iron is an essential mineral that impact a number of bodily functions.  However, dark grape juice might not give an iron boost and may actually decrease iron levels. Some research suggests that whole grapes deliver the same amount of antioxidants that are in grape juice and wine but have the added benefit of providing dietary fiber. Grapes and grape juice are also thought to reduce coronary heart disease in women. When drinking wine to reap it's health benefits drink no more than one drink per day for women or two drinks per day for men. Red wine and grape seed extract can potentially help prevent cavities. 

(all the pictures are sourced from google )