There are many types of grapes (red, green and purple) and also many ways of consuming them (natural, in juice, in jam, without forgetting wine and raisins), hence it is not surprising that they are grown every year more. of 72 million tons of grapes around the world , using most of them, yes, for wine production.
It is a fruit with few calories, with a lot of water content and rich in essential nutrients and, therefore, very good for hydration. The benefits of consuming grapes are numerous as they are also rich in antioxidants important for health, such as quercetin, which helps the body fight against the formation of harmful free radicals:
Cancer
Grapes contain powerful antioxidants known as polyphenols, which can slow or prevent many types of cancer, including esophagus, lung, mouth, pharynx, endometrium, pancreas, prostate, and colon.
Heart disease
The flavonoid quercetin is a natural anti-inflammatory that appears to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and its high polyphenol content may also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) by preventing platelet accumulation and lowering blood pressure through of anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
Blood pressure
Due to its high potassium content, grapes are recommended for people with high blood pressure.
Constipation
Eating foods that are high in water content, such as grapes, watermelon, or cantaloupe, can help keep us hydrated and have regular bowel movements. Grapes also contain fiber, which is essential to minimize constipation.
Allergies
Due to the anti-inflammatory effects of quercetin, consuming grapes can help alleviate allergy symptoms, including runny nose, watery eyes, and hives.
Aging
Grapes can delay aging and promote longevity thanks to the plant compounds they contain. Several studies have shown that resveratrol extends shelf life in a wide variety of animal species. This compound specifically stimulates a family of proteins called sirtuins, which have been linked to longevity.
Virus and bacteria
Grapes can protect against certain bacteria, viruses, and yeast infections. Numerous compounds in grapes have been shown to protect and fight bacterial and viral infections and grape skin extract to protect against the flu virus in test tube studies.
Thus, grapes contain several important nutrients and powerful plant compounds that benefit our health. And, although they contain sugar, they have a low glycemic index and do not appear to raise blood sugar levels. The antioxidants present in grapes, such as resveratrol, reduce inflammation and can help protect against cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
In addition, they are very easy to incorporate into the diet, as we can take them fresh, frozen, as juice or even wine. If you are concerned about which modality is better, white or red, choose the latter, because they are the ones that provide the greatest benefits.
