Grapes are delicious finger fruits with a sour and sweet taste. They have a generally soft and squishy texture. Grapes have a high water content. This fruit offers a wealth of health benefits, primarily due to its high nutrient and antioxidant contents. Grapes are available in various colors like red, green, purple, blue, black, yellow, orange, and white.
Varieties Of Grapes
As mentioned above there are many varieties of grapes. Let us focus on the three major types of grapes grouped by the color Red, Green, and Black.
1. Green Grapes
Green grapes have a tangy and sweet flavor. Some green grapes are sweeter or sourer than others. It depends on the kind. This variety is a rich source of Vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K. It contains minerals such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
2. Red Grapes
Red grapes are sweet, juicy, and crisp inside with a firm exterior. This comparison provides a delicious and revitalizing flavor. Red grapes are loaded with vitamins such as Vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin A, and vitamin B-6. It even contains magnesium, zinc, selenium, calcium, and potassium.
3. Black Grapes
Black grape’s flesh is translucent, soft, and less brittle. They are seedless, taste sweet, and juicy. The black grapes are sweeter than the red grapes. Black grapes are similar to red ones. Black grapes are full of minerals such as potassium, manganese, and copper.
Nutritional Value Of Grapes
Grapes are high in many essential nutrients. Every 100g serving of grapes contains the following nutrition.
- Calories: 65
- Fat: 0.2 g
- Sodium: 2 mg
- Potassium: 190 mg
- Carbs: 16 g
- Sugar: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
Health Benefits Of Grapes
1. Protect From Bacteria And Fungi
Grapes contain some compounds that can help in protecting harmful microorganisms. If this fruit is added to food it can defend from foodborne illnesses. As the resveratrol helps prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Grapes contain compounds that have antimicrobial activity including anthocyanins, which can destroy bacterial cell walls. However, grapes are loaded with vitamin C which is known for immune system benefits.
2. Support Bone Health
The amazing fact about grapes is that they contain several minerals that are essential for bone health such as potassium, manganese, and vitamins B, C, and K. All these minerals can prevent osteoporosis, which is a condition that leads to fragile bones.
3. Improves Brain Health
Consuming grapes can boost memory and brain health. According to studies taking grapes over 12 weeks regularly can improve attention and memory. In another study, it was found that drinking 250 ml of grape juice improved both mood and the speed of memory. A compound contained in grapes called resveratrol can protect against Alzheimer’s disease by reducing brain inflammation and removing amyloid-beta peptides.
4. Benefit Eye Health
The antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin found in grapes can help improve eye health. This compound neutralizes free radicals. Which are unstable chemicals. It minimizes stress and retinal damage. Grapes have resveratrol that protects retina cells in the human eye from ultraviolet light. Resveratrol can even protect against glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic eye disease.
5. Help Reduce Cholesterol
Grapes contain several compounds that can help in protecting against high cholesterol levels through cholesterol absorption. According to a study an individual with high cholesterol consumed over 500g of red grapes daily. It helped lower total and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. But white grapes didn’t have the same effect as red grapes.
6. Help Lower Blood Pressure
As 100g of grapes contain 190mg of potassium. This mineral is necessary for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. Research shows that potassium helps lower blood pressure primarily by helping dilate arteries and veins. It can even help excrete sodium and prevent the narrowing of arteries and veins that would otherwise increase blood pressure.
7. Have Anticancer Effects
Grapes contain antioxidants that help protect against certain types of cancer. As the resveratrol present in this fruit can reduce inflammation. That blocks the growth and spread of cancer cells in your body. Grapes even contain quercetin, anthocyanin, and catechin antioxidants. However, grapes have been linked to lower cancer risk.
8. Slow Signs Of Aging And Promote Longevity
According to research plant compounds contained in grapes can affect aging and lifespan. Resveratrol in grapes can delay signs of aging by mimicking the beneficial effects of calorie restriction, such as reducing oxidative stress, enhancing stress resistance, and improving inflammatory response. This compound even activates sirtuin, a protein that regulates cellular processes like aging and cell death.
9. May Benefit Skin And Hair Health
Grapes contain compounds that have numerous protective effects on your skin and hair. The compound is resveratrol, it has gained popularity in cosmetic products. It penetrates the skin barrier and increases collagen concentration. Collagen production can promote faster wound healing. Resveratrol protects hair follicles from environmental damage.