By: Ozren Podnar |
The Healing Power of Grapes and Wine |
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Grapes are widely known in many cultures as "the queen of fruits“.
These tiny berries are the treasury of numerous phytonutrients useful for health such as antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
No wonder why many people often include them in their diet - in the form of fresh table fruits, dry fruits, juice or simply in salads.
Grapes are round berries growing in clusters on a perennial and deciduous woody vine in the genus, Vitis.
Grapes originated from the European and Mediterranean region but today they are widely cultivated all around the world
The color of the berry comes from the presence of poly-phenolic pigments.
Red or purple berries are rich in anthocyanins while white-green berries contain more tannin and catechin.
These antioxidant compounds are densely concentrated in the skin and seeds.
Treasury of Precious Nutrients
Grapes are a rich source of micronutrients such as copper, iron and manganese.
Iron is especially concentrated in raisins. 100 g of raisins contain 10% of daily recommended iron dosage.
100 g of fresh grapes contain about 191 mg of useful electrolyte, potassium.
Fresh grapes are a good source of vitamins C, A, K, B6, B2 and B1.
100g of fresh grapes contain 69 calories which makes them an excellent choice of food for persons who are suffering from weight problems.
Grapes are rich in resveratrol, a polyphenolic phytochemical compound.
Resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant protect the body from:
- Colon and prostate cancer
- Coronary heart disease
- Degenerative nerve problems
- Alzheimer disease
- Viral and fungal infections
Resveratrol reduces the risk of brain stoke by changing molecular mechanisms in the blood vessels.
It strengthens the resistance of blood vessels and stimulates the production of nitric oxide that relaxes the blood vessels.
Anthocyanins are another type of polyphenolic antioxidants present in red grapes.
These phytochemicals have been found to have:
- anti-allergic,
- anti-inflammatory,
- anti-microbial,
- anti-carcinogen effect
Catechins present in white and green grapes possess equal protective functions.
Grapes have a low glycemic index and therefore are allowed for diabetics.
Wine Benefits
Wine is the most popular nutritive product made of grapes.
Medical research confirms that moderate consumption of wine improves health.
Studies have shown that wine, especially the red wine, can:
- Reduce the risk of heart diseases
- Protect from brain stroke
- Prevent pancreatic cancer
-
Suppress the potentially dangerous bacteria such as E coli, salmonella and listeria
Red Wine Protects the Heart
It is well known that red vine can be good for your heart.
Red vine contains resveratrol a powerful antioxidant found in the grapes skin.
Laboratory studies have shown that this ingredient has an anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effect and prevents clotting.
The antioxidant polyphenol is even more important: This chemical compound is present in grape’s skin and seeds and it protects the cell membranes.
Procyanidins present in red wine reduces blood pressure and cholesterol and protect from atherosclerosis.
Recent Danish study showed that people who drink not more than two and a half bottle of red wine a week- two glasses per day approximately – have a lower risk of premature death.
Resveratrol and polyphenols coming from red wine can also be taken in the form of food supplements.
White Wine protects Bones and Joints
Even though it is not so popular, white wine offers a whole range of health benefits.
It contains potassium, which can help in reducing blood pressure and prevent the creation of molecules that can damage lung tissue.
Scientist from the University of Milan believe that tyrosol and caffeic acid contained in white wine can prevent rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis.
The study of Italian and American scientists discovered that consumption of white wine protects from heart attack.
Unlike many black or red wines, white wine is recommended for those who suffer from migraines, because it has low level of tyramine - a compound that causes headache.
Use of Grapes
Look for grapes that are fresh, smooth, without wrinkles or skin damages on the surface.
Berries must be firmly attached to a healthy-looking green stem.
Since grapes tend to spoil quickly and ferment at room temperature, they should always be kept in the fridge.
Before eating, grapes should be rinsed in the cold water to remove any pesticide and dirt.
Grapes can be added to fruit or vegetable salads, along with apricots, peaches, pears, apples, berries or pineapple.
Raisins can be used in preparing various sweets, smoothies, cakes, muffins and puddings.
For the purpose of prevention and treatment it is recommended to eat 1-2 grape clusters or drink 1-2 glasses of vine per day.
All useful nutrients contained in grapes can also be found as food supplements.
Continue reading: How to make 3 super healthy grape smoothies
Sources used in writing this article include:
[url=http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/]http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/[/url]
[url=http://www.phytochemicals.info/]http://www.phytochemicals.info/[/url]
[url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk]http://www.dailymail.co.uk[/url]
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