Despite their small size, we can definitely say that grapes are indeed valuable to us and our health. The grapes nutritional value cannot be overlooked because of it's seemingly uselessness. But just like what an old English saying tells us: "Small but terrible." Indeed, they are "small but terrible" in a lot of health benefits that we can get from them.
Grapes can be eaten fresh, or as its by-products which are wines and raisins or even as grape juice. Many of the health benefits that we can get from them are often attributed to the high concentration of pigments on its skin and in its seeds. This is because they love the sun and they need a lot of it so that they would grow perfectly well for wine-making or for raw consumption. That is why some of its so-called 'wonder nutrients' like resveratrol are found on the skin which is usually found in red wines because the skin is usually combined with the juice to get the red color of the skin.
Although they are primarily made up of water they contain a lot of vitamins like vitamins C or K and minerals like phosphorous, calcium, magnesium and iron. These nutrients are easily absorbed by the body because they are high in sugar, which is called fructose, thus the body instantly benefits from it.
During the past few years, scientists studying the grapes nutritional value have been focusing on its capacity to fight and prevent cancer. It had been found to contain a lot of anti-cancer agents like resveratrol which had been principally seen in wines. This substance had been noted to inhibit the severity of cancer and even destroy cancer cells. One remarkable finding is that it had reduced the size of breast cancer tumors that are estrogen-dependent.
They have also been found to be helpful in the treatment of heart diseases as they help rejuvenate the heart and reduce the cardiac pain that the patients are feeling. Some have even recommended persons who are suffering from heart attack to drink grape juice to minimize the pain and palpitation of their heart.
They are also known to prevent the build up of bad cholesterol in the arteries and veins of the heart. Some scientists have attributed this to an anti-oxidant found in grapes called polyphenols. In connection to preventing heart diseases, one good 'side effect' that we can attribute as well is that it can help reduce the risk of hypertension.
Because they are rich in antioxidants, it is important to know that it can also help delay aging. Again, this effect of grapes in controlling the aging process has been attributed to resveratrol. It is said to activate enzymes that delays aging thus some have claimed that it can extend a lifespan of a person by 70%.
Whether we eat them raw or drink them as a red or white wine, we could really get a lot out of the grapes nutritional value that ultimately helps us to be healthier.
[Kim_Drew]
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