Health Benefits Of Grapes

Grape's phytochemical compound resveratrol, a polyphenol anti-oxidant, has been found to be protective against cancers of colon and prostate, coronary heart disease (CHD), degenerative nerve disease, Alzheimer's disease and viral/ fungal infections.

Resveratrolreduces stroke risk by altering the molecular mechanisms in the blood vessels. It does so firstly by reducing susceptibility of blood vessels damage through decreased activity of angiotensin (a systemic hormone causing blood vessel constriction that would elevate blood pressure) and secondly, through increased production of the vasodilator substance, nitric oxide (a beneficial compound that causes relaxation of blood vessels).

Anthocyanins, another class of polyphenolic anti-oxidants, found abundantly in red grapes shown to have anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and anti-cancer activities.

Catechins, a type of flavonoids anti-oxidants found in white/green varieties also shown to have these health promoting effects.

In addition, these small round berries are very low in calories. 100 g fresh grapes just provide 69 calories but zero cholesterol levels.

Grapes are rich source of micro-nutrient minerals like copper, iron and manganese. Copper and manganese are an essential co-factor of antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase. Iron is specially concentrated more in raisins. In addition 100 g of fresh grapes contain about 191 mg of health benefiting electrolyte, potassium.

They are also good source ofvitamin-C, vitamin A, vitamin K, carotenes, B-complex vitamins such as pyridoxine, riboflavin and thiamin.

See the table below for in depth analysis of nutrients:
Grapes, red or green
(European type, Thompson seedless),
Nutritive Value per 100 g,
ORAC Value 3,277(Source: USDA National Nutrient data base)

More Health Benefits Of Grapes

If you want whopping big nutrition in a small package, investigate the health benefits of grapes. That beautiful purple-colored fruit not only tastes good, it has a bounty of nutrition in each small globe. Grapes, whether they're green, red or purple, contain a wealth of vitamins and minerals. You'll add to your daily intake of vitamin A, C, B6 and folate when you grab a few clumps and munch on them. However, you'll also be supplying your body with extra minerals as well. Grapes contain potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium and iron. They also have a few trace minerals as well, copper, manganese and zinc.

Grapes contain phytonutrients called polyphenols. The three most important ones for your health that grapes contain are phenolic acids, resveratrol and flavonoids. You'll find most of these contained in the grape seed, stem and skin but very little in the fleshy part of the grape. The flavonoids make the grape purple or red and include quercitin, which helps decrease heart disease by reducing the clotting of the blood platelets and protecting the arteries from the damage caused by bad cholesterol.

While most people know about the resveratrol in red wine, they don't often link it to the ingredient that put it there, grapes. If you've read anything about resveratrol, you know it's an antioxidant, which might reduce the risk of heart disease, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease and cancer. However, what most people don't realize is that it also has a big influence on the genes that decide whether your body ages like your calendar years suggest. It can actually slow the aging process and make your DNA more stable, which could mean that you'd extend your life by as much as 70 percent and reduce the number of age related diseases.

Resvertrol actually affects the heart muscle and helps keep ithealthy, according to a study done by Gary Meszaros and Joshua Bomser from the Northeastern Ohio University College of Medicine. It slows the production of angiotensin II, a hormone that alerts the heart to make more collagen. In most cases, this isn't a bad thing; however, in excess it makes the heart muscle stiffer and impedes its ability to pump.

The saponins in grapes give the skin a waxy look but can help prevent cholesterol build up in your veins. It binds to the cholesterol and prevents it from absorbing in the body. It also settles inflammation pathways that can be precursors of not only heart disease but also cancer.

While grapes are heart healthy, protect the body from cancer, may help prevent Alzheimer's and keep your cholesterol lower, the most amazing benefit is its potential to act as a fountain of youth. Grapes contain resveratrol that activates Sir2. Sir2 is an enzyme that we now know extends life. This interesting phenomenon has also occurred when animals are on calorie-restricted diets. While scientists conducted many of the studies on lower life forms, scientists know that sirtuins, the family that Sir2 belongs to, regulates the maturation of cells and cell death in mammals.

Grapes do so many things to keep you healthy that it simply makes sense to include them in your diet. If you don't want to take the time to munch a bunch of grapes, consider sipping a glass of wine or grape juice instead. Since many of the health benefits of grapes are in both, a glass of either can help you live a longer and healthier life.