Grapes are known to have many health benefits because of the high level of antioxidant. Beside vitamins A, C, E, B1 B6, it also has calcium, iodine, manganese, potassium, zinc, selenium, and natural sugar such as dextrose and glucose. As well as the rich variety of phytonutrients that can help cure various diseases.
Grape usually ate merely or as a recipe ingredient. In the European region has been cultivated grapes about 6000 years ago. This herbaceous plant had 60 varieties of grapes and consumed in the world. The grapes are identical with purple color, although not all grapes are in purple. Grape has many health benefits but also has side effects. Below will be described the health benefits and side effects of grapes that you need to know.
Nutritional value
Grapes nutrients are perfect for the body. Each grape variety has its nutritional value but in general the nutritional content of grapes composed of 70% water and 20% sugar substances, which makes the grapes is very good for the body’s metabolism. 10% of other elements including:
- Gallic acid
- Glucoside
- Phosphoric acid
- Manganese
- Iron
- Some vitamins
- Calcium
Other compounds such as polyphenols and resveratrol substances in grape which we know as antioxidant. The antioxidant content of grapes counteracts free radicals that enter the body, to prevent the build-up of cancer.
Grapes health benefits
- Cardiovascular health
Grape is known to have excellent benefits for cardiovascular. Phenolic compounds have potent
antioxidant properties. Meanwhile, resveratrol compound found in black raisins and red grapes help to cut the risk of coronary heart disease. The presence of beneficial saponins inhibits absorption of cholesterol in the blood.
- Avoid constipation
Due to sugar, cellulose, and organic acids in the grapes, it often called a natural laxative fruit or frequently used to smooth bowel movement or constipation.
- Prevent premature aging
The grapes have antioxidants and vitamins that are proven to help keep up the healthy skin.
- Overcome kidney and digestive disorders
By consume grapefruit regularly, it is useful for the digestive system of our body. Grape also helps to remove the acid in the kidneys, thus keeping the kidneys stay healthy.
- Blood sugar
The grapes are beneficial for treating blood sugar. Grape is known to have a shallow glycemic index, making it suitable for people who have blood sugar that is not balanced.
- Preventing cancer
One glass of grape juice can kill the bad cells which can cause liver cancer and improve the liver performance for more leverage in cleaning up toxins in the body.
- A migraine
The grape juice is known as a powerful natural medicine to treat a migraine. You merely make pure grapes juice with no added water, then drink regularly.
- Insomnia
In grapes contained melatonin, a substance that helps regulate the human sleep hours.
- Hypertension
Grapes have potassium compounds and melatonin that are beneficial for controlling blood pressure and cleanse the blood vessels from blockage.
- Protecting the eyes from cataract
Flavonoid in grapes has function to keep the eyes from damage caused by free radicals that can cause cataract.
- Maintain immunity
Antivirus and antibacterial content of the grapes can improve endurance and protect us from the disease.
- Producing red blood cells
The grapes are rich in iron, to provide red blood cells in the body quickly and optimally. Eat at least 2 seeds of grapes to accelerate your healing process.
- Get rid of acne scar
Using grapes as a material of beauty is not just a myth. The grapes can cut your acne scars. It is effortless, by slicing the grapes into 2 pieces, then apply evenly on your face, especially on the face affected by acne. Then wait a few minutes, then massage gently and rinse with clean water. Do this twice a week.
- Skin moisturizer
The benefits of grape seed further are to moisture the skin. Grape seed can keep the moisture of the skin tissue thus making skin always moist. The benefits of grape seed also for blood circulation and keep up healthy skin from the outside.
Side effect of grapes
Besides the health benefits of grapes, there’s always the side effect.
- Grape cause diarrhea
Do not misunderstand, pregnant women who consume too many grapes, it will cause diarrhea during pregnancy, and diarrhea quite dangerous for the health of pregnant women. If pregnant women lose a lot of fluids in the body, it will also affect the baby condition in the womb. The dehydrated situation would lead to pregnant women and infants become limp.
- Grape cause poisoned
One of the major problems is the reason for pregnant women to avoid grape during pregnancy because of resveratrol. With high levels of resveratrol that will potentially toxic pregnancy and causes the hormone in the body is not balanced. So it is hazardous for the safety of mother and baby.
Always eat in moderate quantities and don’t be excessive. By following a healthy lifestyle, you will get the benefits of grapes for health.