5 Health Benefits Of Grapes

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Spanish explorers did America a huge favor when they brought grapes to the New World more than 300 years ago. That’s because grapes are delicious and have a variety of health benefits to boot! These berries are full of antioxidants and vitamins, and are easy to add to diet as fresh berries (on their own or added to cereals and salads), as raisins, as juice or jelly, and as wine:


Eating grapes may even help prevent a number of health problems. Here’s what grapes can do for us:

1. Heart and vessels

Polyphenols and flavonoids found in grapes may help lower bad cholesterol and high blood pressure and reduce inflammation, all of which is important to support cardiovascular health. Resveratrol in skins of red grapes and red wine seems to be particularly beneficial for this purpose. Grapes also contain potassium, one of the minerals our heart needs to function well.


2. Cancer

Polyphenols, a type of antioxidants that grapes contain, may help reduce the risk of various types of the disease, such as colon cancer and pancreatic cancer.


3. Constipation

Grapes contain some fiber, which helps relieve constipation. Grapes are also juicy, and that can help improve hydration, which is also important for bowel movement regularity.


4. Eye problems

Research from the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology suggests that eating grapes may help prevent damage to the retina. The subjects of the study in question were mice, and more human studies are needed to learn how well it works for people.


5. Neural problems

Some studies suggest resveratrol may help reduce the risk of diabetic neuropathy and Alzheimer’s disease, and even improve brain function to some extent.

It’s important to note that grapes are beneficial as long as they are consumed in moderation. Eating too many grapes can cause levels of potassium to rise dangerously high in people who take beta blockers and in those with kidney problems. Needless to say, the consumption of wine should also be limited whether you are healthy or not. And if you like raisins and have diabetes, be careful with them, because they are high in sugar.