Grapes are an ancient food that, beyond being the fundamental ingredient of wine and therefore an essential element of our culture through a thousand forms, have a high nutritional level and beneficial properties for health.
The Greeks and Romans have already worshiped them since prehistory through their respective wine gods, Dionysus and Bacchus. It belongs to the Vitaceae family and it is a berry that has given rise to many varieties, although the most obvious classification is the one that divides them into red and white grapes.
Thus, its consumption on a regular basis is especially recommended to be included in our diet.
The average nutritional composition per 100 grams of grapes is as follows:
• Water: 80.5 g
• Energy: 71 kcal
• Fat: 0.58 g
• Proteins: 0.66 g
• Carbohydrates: 17.7 g
• Fiber: 1g
• Potassium: 185mg
• Sodium: 2mg
• Phosphorus: 13 mg
• Calcium: 11mg
• Magnesium: 3mg
• Iron: 0.26mg
• Zinc: 0.05mg
The grape, in addition to nourishing, exerts a beneficial effect on our body due to the presence of non-nutritive but very healthy substances, such as:
• Resveratrol. It is a substance present mainly in the skin of black and red grapes, with antifungal action (it prevents the growth of fungi) and above all antioxidant. Recent research has shown that it also has anti-cancer properties.
• Flavonoids (such as quercetin), anthocyanins (plant pigments absent in white and green grapes) and tannins, which act as powerful antioxidants, preventing the effects of aging as well as the oxidation of cholesterol and the formation of thrombi in the arteries.
Indeed, the great therapeutic value of the grape is explained by its content of nutritional and non-nutritive substances. Here are some of its most notable benefits:
• They relieve tiredness and fatigue, due to the phosphorus they contain.
• They help detoxify the body and cleanse the liver, which is why there are detox diets that consist of eating fresh grapes for a couple of days, although it is always advisable to carry them out under the supervision of an expert.
• They counteract stress situations, thanks to their antioxidants that fight free radicals.
• They favor vision, due to their high content of natural antioxidants, which help prevent and delay the evolution of macular degeneration, which causes oxidation of the retina, which causes a loss of sharpness and visual acuity. Therefore, it is very useful for those who work long hours in front of the computer screen. They also help in the prevention of cataracts.
• They prevent anemia, in addition to strengthening the immune system due to their iron content, an important mineral.
• They prevent osteoporosis and muscle cramps, due to the calcium they contain, as it is another important mineral for our body.
• They reduce high blood pressure due to their content in flavonoids, which exert a protective effect and help reduce high blood pressure. Different scientific studies have found that consuming red grapes regularly helps reduce the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.
• They prevent cardiovascular diseases, as a result of their high content of polyphenols, which activate endothelial cells, producing nitric oxide, which favors better circulation, thus helping to care for the state of blood vessels and reduce high cholesterol levels. . Although it should be noted that, according to specialists, not all strains have a sufficient amount of polyphenols to play their cardioprotective role.
• They help skin care. The qualities of grapes are not only found internally for our body, but also externally. In fact, being rich in natural antioxidants, they help combat the negative effects of free radicals that play a decisive role in aging. They also provide moisturizing and protective benefits for the skin, in addition to helping in case of problems such as dermatitis, sinusitis, etc.
Also, remember that you always have to eat them with the skin on to take advantage of all their benefits, since this is where almost all their nutrients are found, especially fiber, which gives them a mild laxative effect and stimulates intestinal transit.
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