Did you know that humans have been growing grapes as early as 6500 BC? In the mythology of several
cultures, this fruit symbolizes abundance and fertility. Hi viewers and welcome back to Bestie!
There are more than 200 varieties of grapes all over the world and come in colors like blue,
purple, red, pink, green and amber. You probably know that grapes are used to make wine,
but there’s more to them. They are nutritional powerhouses that have a wide range of health
benefits for your body, and in today’s video, we will tell you what they are. From improving
vision, boosting brain power, protecting against infection,
relieving constipation to easing asthma and more, watch till the end to learn about all of them.
Good For Your Heart: Flavonoids and resveratrol in red grapes are known
to prevent heart disease. The rate of heart disease in France is the lowest
because of all that red wine they drink! Plus the red wine grapes on their own.
Grape juice and wine made from these contain antioxidants which have been shown to improve
heart health. They do this by lowering levels of cholesterol, and blood clots.
What type of wine do you prefer? Is it white? Red?
Tell us quickly down below in the comments section.
Improves Vision: Grapes are loaded with vitamin A and lutein,
both of which have been shown to boost eye health. While you’re probably familiar with Vitamin A,
you may not be so much so with lutein. This is a substance found in a variety of veggies as well.
It is collected by your retinas as a means to protect themselves against free radicals,
which can cause unnecessary stress, damage and degeneration. According to a study,
grapes can also help combat eye disease.
Provides Anti Aging Benefits: Grapes contain several different antioxidants,
including types known to decrease inflammation and support healthy blood flow. These are also
linked to better brain function including memory and learning, anti-aging, and overall longevity.
The quercetin in black and red grapes has been shown to protect against neurodegenerative
diseases, such as Alzheimer's. Quercetin is linked to apoptosis...this is a scary word
for your internal self-destruct sequence, where the body kills off old or malfunctioning cells.
Lowers Type 2 Diabetes Risk: A study found that eating more blueberries, whole grapes,
and apples is significantly associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
This is because they are all rich in the pigment anthocyanin, which is sort of like an antioxidant.
Additionally, grapes have a medium glycemic load so they won’t spike your blood sugar. When eaten
in moderation, they can be part of a healthy diet that can help keep blood sugar under control.
Boosts Brain Power: Does your brain tend to fog over every once in a while? Do
you find your concentration wavering and mindfulness is difficult? Well,
grab that bowl of juicy grapes. Studies have proven that eating grapes often,
helps improve brain function and protects it from age-related degeneration.
This is also due to the benefits provided by antioxidants like
resveratrol that control mood swings and delay memory loss due to ageing.
Some studies have shown that resveratrol may help stave off Alzheimer’s disease.
Protects Against Arthritis: Arthritis is a serious and painful condition that
causes chronic inflammation. It disrupts the formations of bones and damages the
joints. A study found that grape seed extract improved arthritic conditions.
In a separate test, researchers found that grape seed extract was as effective as
treatment for arthritis. This is huge because use of conventional anti inflammatory drugs,
over time, has severe side effects. You can thank our friend resveratrol again, as it prevents the
activation of genes that cause inflammation and eliminates arthritic pain at the source.
Anti Cancer Properties: Grapes contain powerful antioxidants
known as polyphenols which are thought to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Studies have suggested that these may be able to slow or prevent the growth of tumors in the liver,
stomach, breast, colon, skin, and can be helpful against leukemia as well.
The same antioxidant is also present in red wine. So, drinking it in moderation will
also provide you with anticancer benefits. We’re talking a small amount here folks.
Keep in mind moderate intake of alcohol is defined as up to one drink per day for women,
and up to two drinks per day for men. We’re talking a glass with dinner,
and that’s pretty much it. If you go over that amount the cons outweigh the pros.
Protects Against Infection: Numerous compounds in grapes have been shown
to fight bacterial and viral infections. Grapes are a good source of vitamin C,
which, if you’re a regular here at Bestie you know, is great for your immune system.
Grape skin extract has been shown to protect against the flu virus in test-tube studies.
Additionally, compounds in grapes stopped the herpes virus,
chicken pox and yeast infections from spreading.
Once again, resveratrol comes to the rescue - and may protect
against foodborne illnesses. When added to different types of food,
it was shown to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, such as E. Coli.
Relieves Kidney Disorders:
Grapes have a cleansing effect on the kidneys. A study found that grape seed extract has
antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can ease up some kidney disorders. Grapes also
contain lots of water, that’s what makes them so darn juicy! All that water helps your body flush
out toxic stuff like uric acid from the system when you urinate, reducing stress on kidneys.
Your kidneys are one of the most important organs of the body. And they will send out
signs when they're not functioning properly. To know what they are,
watch this video titled “11 Signs Your Kidneys Are Crying For Help”
Now, back to the surprising health benefits of grapes.
Relieves Constipation:
Grapes are an effective remedy for constipation as they help tone up the intestinal muscles.
They also contain organic acids and cellulose which helps eliminate waste from your body.
The insoluble fibre provides bulk to stool, making your bathroom breaks much more pleasant.
People who suffer from constipation on a regular basis become dependent on laxatives.
This is anything but ideal and can lead to poor intestinal muscle tone and in the end
won’t fix the underlying problem. Grapes can help manage constipation in a much more natural way.
Remedy For Migraines & Fatigue: Ripe grape juice can be used as a home remedy for curing
migraines and fatigue. Ironically, drinking red wine is often considered a cause of migraines,
but grape juice and grape seed extract could be considered a solution.
There are many causes of migraines including chemical imbalances,
lack of sleep, changes in weather, or dietary deficiencies. Alcohol in general causes migraines,
but grapes have so many antioxidants that they can cause and cure the same illness. Weird.
Good For Weight Loss: Grapes contain no unhealthy calories. They are also rich
in nutrients and antioxidants making them the ideal snack for anyone looking to lose weight.
They’re easy to handle and require no preparation. A great substitute for sugar rich snacks.
You can include different types of grapes like green, red or dried,
all of them are equally healthy. You can even drink grape juice as it is also very beneficial.
But keep in mind, eating whole fruit is always better than drinking fruit juice.
May Help with Asthma: Due to their well-known therapeutic value,
grapes can be used as a treatment for asthma. A study showed that grape seed
extract can help suppress inflammation in the airways and the lungs. The extract contains
powerful compounds that have a therapeutic effect on allergic airway inflammation.
Relieves Indigestion: Grapes play an important role in dyspepsia,
or indigestion. They can relieve heat and cure indigestion and irritation in the stomach. They
may also be preferred over other digestive aids because they are considered light food.
This should be a first choice in combating dyspepsia before antacids as they can cause
side-effects like constipation, disrupted protein digestion and higher risk of small
intestinal bacterial overgrowth. They can also have negative interactions with
other medications. Alternatively, grapes are a natural, whole-food, and have no side-effects.
Keeps You Hydrated: Little known fact: Grapes are 82% water. Proper hydration
is directly linked to skin appearance, cell regeneration, and overall health. High-water
foods like — you guessed it — grapes can help your skin stay hydrated too.
Balances Cholesterol Levels:
Grapes contain a compound which can lower your cholesterol levels. This compound is closely
related to resveratrol, a beneficial antioxidant, and coloring flavonoid that is also found in
grapes. Early research has shown that they may have had a great impact on cholesterol levels.
You’ll Sleep Better: The natural melatonin in grapes is linked to longer and better quality
sleep. That’s key, since insomnia affects a third of the population, and sleep deprivation is tied
to a number of health risks—including depression, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.
While grapes are very beneficial for your health,
there are other fruits which are equal or even better for your body. To learn more, watch:
14 Fruits That Can Double As Medicine
Or
Learn about Healthy Fruits You Should Be Eating And Ones You Shouldn’t
These 2 videos will help you pick the best fruit for your
health and avoid the ones that are harmful.
What is your favourite type of grape? Is it green? Red? Black?
Let us know in the comments section below!