Are you a fan of grapes? This tasty little fruit comes in a variety of colors, inclding green, red, black, yellow and pink, not to mention that both seeded and seedless varieties exist. They also come in a multitude of forms, from raisins to jellies to juice. People have cultivated grapes for thousands of years, including several ancient civilizations that revered them for their use in winemaking. Grapes also make a quick and delicious snack you can enjoy at home or on the go. Grapes offer a wealth of health benefits, primarily due to their high nutrient and antioxidant contents.
Here are the top 9 health benefits of grapes:
Packed with nutrientes
Grapes contain many important vitamins and minerals, including copper and vitamins B and K.
May aid heart health
Grapes may boost heart health in several ways. Compounds in grapes may protect against heart disease by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels
High in antioxidants
Grapes are rich in antioxidants, which are beneficial plant compounds that may protect against chronic health condition
May have anticancer effects
Antioxidants in grapes may prevent the growth and spread of multiple types of cancer, though human research is lacking.
May protect against diabetes and lower blood sugar levels
Though grapes are high in sugar, their low to moderate GI makes them fairly safe to eat in moderation if you have diabetes. Additionally, compounds in grapes may protect against high blood sugar.
May benefit eye health
Grapes contain several compounds — such as resveratrol, lutein, and zeaxanthin — that may help prevent common eye diseases.
May improve memory, attention, and mood
Grapes contain compounds that may improve memory, attention, and mood, as well as protect against Alzheimer’s disease.
May support bone health
Grapes contain vitamins and minerals important for bone health, although more research is needed in humans.
May slow signs of aging and promote longevity
Resveratrol, which is found in grapes, has been shown to activate genes associated with slower signs of aging and longer lifespan.
May benefit skin and hair health
The antioxidant resveratrol in grapes may protect your skin from damage and promote hair growth but more research is needed.
The bottom line is that grapes offer several important nutrients and powerful plant compounds that benefit your health. Though they contain sugar, they don’t appear to negatively impact blood sugar control when eaten in moderation.
Antioxidants like resveratrol provide most of grapes’ benefits, including their anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetes, and anticancer properties.
They are also quite delicious and easy to add to your diet. For the most benefits, choose fresh grapes over grape juice or wine. (source: healthline.com)