Apart from being extremely delicious, the grapes are very healthy too. They are one of the most popular between-meal snack as well as a refreshing addition to fruit and vegetable salads. The grapes can be used in various ways: they can be eaten raw or used for making juice, jam, raisins, vine, jelly and even grape seed oil.
Grapes are a great source of bioflavonoids which protect the body from the damaging effects of free radicals. The free radicals are quite dangerous since they can cause many diseases including malignant diseases. This means that the grape has anti-cancer properties. It is rich in antioxidants too and because of that it has strong activity against allergies, inflammation, bacteria and viruses. Additionally, the fresh grape juice is loaded with various minerals and vitamins A, B and C. It contains 20% sugar and it supplies the body with energy too. If we make a comparison between the white and black grapes, the white contain less amount of potassium and calcium and they are poor with phenols in comparison with black grapes.
As mentioned in the very beginning, apart from being just a tasty refreshing fruit, the grape is a natural remedy for many health issues. It is a great blood cleanse, it treats inflammation of the digestive organs, it regulates digestion, it removes fat from the body, it alleviates difficulties with skin allergies and difficulties with rheumatism. Researchers from the University of Michigan proved that grapes may also help control blood pressure. They are recommended against poor circulation, they slow down the aging process and prevent dementia. In addition, black grapes may help in protection against cancer, brain aging and heart disease.
Why were black grapes so appreciated even by the ancient Gods?
The black grapes must be very dark, almost black. The phenols which are found in the shell of the black grapes are responsible for the flavor and mainly for the color of the black grapes. Apart from phenols, the shell contains large amounts of resveratol, a substance which positively affects the motor and mental functions of the brain and reduces the risk of stroke. According to many studies, it prevents many malignant diseases and it may accelerate the destruction of cancer cells. The resveratol maintains the flexibility and health of the heart muscle as well. To sum up, the grapes are great for prevention and fight against cancer as well as for prevention of some heart diseases. The grapes contain large amount of polyphenols, antioxidants which destroy harmful free radicals in the body (substances that can cause tumors). A recent research showed that black grapes increase the levels of melatonin- a substance essential for good sleep.
Raisins
For long time, the raisins (dried grapes) were thought to cause tooth decay. However, a recent research proved the opposite. This is due to the absence of sucrose, a substance responsible for most of the diseases of the oral cavity. The grapes contain fructose and because of that they prevent the growth of bacteria responsible for gum disease and caries.
The raisins are extremely healthy and they are one of the most recommended between-meal snacks. The fructose and glucose raisins will help you make it through the day easier, in regard to both mental and physical activity. A handful of raisins will satisfy your need for food and it will give you a sense of satiety which will last longer.
