Grapes are grown in many areas of the world and provide a great delicious treat for those who enjoy them. They grow in clusters and generally come in variety of different colours which can include, but aren’t limited to, yellow, green, black, purple, and crimson. Grapes are a versatile fruit berry that can be eaten raw, made into wine, or made into other products such as vinegar, juice, jam, grape seed extract, jelly, raisins or grapeseed oil. While grapes are eaten daily right around, what many people don’t realise is that they can actually provide you with a number of health benefits. This expert guide will cover the top surprising health benefits of grapes that can help improve your life.
Why Grapes Are Healthy For You
- Helps To Fight Free Radicals
Grapes are well known for their high anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and can help to fight against free radicals. Free radicals are rogue cells within the body which generally mutate and form cancer when chronic inflammation and oxidative stress is seen. This means they can help to suppress the propagation and growth of cancer cells because of these two factors. Muscadine grapes are said to hold high anti-cancer properties due to the natural phenolic compounds that they contain. Resveratrol, which is found in the grape skin is said to be a potent antioxidant that helps with protecting against skin damage from UV rays.
- Improves Hydration
The next thing grapes are good for is their ability to help rehydrate you when you’re dehydrated. While you shouldn’t rely on grapes alone, they do contain high amounts of water which are great for promoting good hydration. The body is made up of a high percentage of water, and when it’s out of balance as in dehydration you can begin to exhibit some health issues such as weakness, dizziness, heart palpitations, fainting, dry mouth, and increased thirst. Eating grapes on a daily basis can help to improve hydration levels, especially in those who may forget or don’t drink adequate water levels.
- Helps To Lower Heart Arrhythmias
Heart arrhythmias are common in many people. PVC heart arrhythmias are especially common. Eating grapes on a daily basis can help to lower your risk of developing heart arrhythmias such as PVC arrhythmias due to high levels of potassium. Potassium is one of the four essential electrolytes that are found in the cells of the body. It helps to promote healthy nerve function and helps the heart to function properly. When levels drop below the normal range within the body stores or blood, people will start to exhibit heart palpitations that may be unexplained or classed as normal by health care providers. They may also feel out of breath, vague, cramping, tiredness, nausea and vomiting. Eating grapes in your diet can help to regulate your potassium levels if they’re low to help reduce the risk of heart arrhythmias from occurring. However, if they’re persistent, professional medical attention is advised.
- Good Blood Health
Grapes also contain a high amount of vitamin K. Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps to synthase certain proteins that support blood coagulation. Without adequate amounts of vitamin K in the body, the body’s ability to clot blood is seriously impaired. When this happens uncontrolled bleeding occurs. Other side effects of lowered vitamin K levels include weakened bones and calcification of arteries. Eating grapes can help to improve vitamin K levels within the body which can help lower the risk of heavy menstrual bleeding, nose bleeds, open wound bleeding, and a high risk of bleeding after surgery.
Conclusion
Grapes are not only a great tasting fruit, but they also provide a number of surprising health benefits as well. By incorporating grapes into your diet, whether liquid or solid form, you can help to improve your overall health and wellbeing for the better. So, are you going to eat grapes more often now?
David Wilson
David is a wine professional with over 20+ years of industry experience. His love for wine has seen him travel and work in various locations throughout Australia, a four-year stint in the USA and a lot of trips to New Zealand. He spent eight years with one of Australia’s largest retailers before working for the fourth largest wine producer globally; he is the owner of Block78 an Australia online wine company based in Australia. If he could be a wine, it would be Shiraz!