L‘Grape’ is a member of the Vitaceae family which has eleven genera. This fruit-bearing genus is Vitus, which includes about sixty species. The plant was cultivated by humans around 6500 BC, and by 4000 BC grapes were found in vineyards of Transcaucasia east of Asia Minor and south of the Nile river delta.
Grapes existed long before humans walked the earth and could be found worldwide. Old World grapes were eaten as a snack and dried to make raisins, but in Europe the primary use of grapes was for making wine. It symbolizes fertility and is used in religious ceremonies due to its resemblance to blood. Although there is only one species found wild in Europe, the New World has an abundance of wild grape species.
There are over a thousand varieties of grapes. Table grapes are large with thin skins and have been bred into seedless varieties; wine grapes are smaller with thick skins and contain seeds. Whether consumed fresh, dried to make raisins, or processed into wine, grapes provide many benefits to the body.
Benefits and properties of grapes
- Headache and brain health. Grapes provide relief from migraines and have been used as a remedy for centuries. For maximum benefit, consume grapes as pure juice and drink every morning. Grapes contain resveratrol which reduces the amount of beta-amyloid peptides prevalent in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. They also reduce harmful brain plaque and increase blood flow to the brain, promoting mental sharpness.
- Healthy digestive system. For a healthy digestive system, grapes are a great addition to the diet. The berries are a beneficial source of sugar, organic acid, and polyols which provide laxative properties, reducing the incidence of constipation. They also tone the muscles of the lower digestive tract. Since grapes are high in fiber, they help form healthy stools, control indigestion, and soothe stomach irritation.
- Cardiovascular health. Grapes are beneficial for a healthy heart. They increase nitric oxide levels in the blood to prevent blood clotting and thus reduce the incidence of heart attacks. The high content of flavonoids such as quercetin and resveratrol controls the development of free radicals and reduces platelet aggregation in the blood to filter toxins from the blood. Grapes also help relax the walls of blood vessels which lowers blood pressure and dilates blood vessels to improve blood flow. Grapes contain anti-inflammatory properties, reducing arterial inflammation.
- Healthy and youthful skin. For healthy skin and to reduce the effects of aging, grapes contain antioxidants and vitamin C that protect the skin from free radicals. The berries tone the skin when pulp is rubbed on the face. Vitamin C is also needed in collagen formation which helps cell and blood vessel growth and firms the skin. The resveratrol content in grapes protects the skin from adverse weather effects, revitalizes damaged tissues, and reduces skin discoloration. Grape seed extract is rich in vitamin E, which helps skin retain moisture and is an exfoliant that gives smooth, healthy skin. Green grapes reverse uneven skin tones and lighten acne scars.
- Immune system and organ health. For eye health and to strengthen the immune system, grapes are rich in vitamins C, K, and A, essential for preventing many eye diseases such as macular degeneration. The berries are also rich in minerals and flavonoids that improve organ health and the immune system, fighting colds, flu, and other illnesses.
