Grapes Benefits and Side Effects

Antioxidants help in repairing the free radical damage caused to the cells due to an excess oxidative stress in the body. Oxidative stress is sometimes responsible for causing various chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Grapes contain many powerful antioxidants like Vitamin C, beta-carotene, lutein, quercetin, ellagic acid, and lycopene. Surprisingly, more than 1600 plant compounds which are beneficial for health have been discovered in this fruit.

Maximum research on grapes is done using the extracts of its seed or skin. Anthocyanins which are responsible for giving colour to the red grapes is also an excellent antioxidant. Even after fermentation, these antioxidants remain present in the grapes which is the reason why red wine too is high in such compounds. 

(Read more: Antioxidant food sources)

Fluctuation in blood pressure level has become a common phenomenon among the people of every age. Even the youth has begun suffering from this problem. Although medicines become mandatory in such diseases, it is always good to have a simple home remedy which can be useful to combat such diseases in case of emergencies. Grapes contain high levels of potassium which is beneficial for regulating blood pressure levels in the body. Low levels of potassium in the body may increase the risk of high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease. A study conducted among adults had shown that people who had higher levels of potassium in their bodies in relation to sodium had a lower probability of dying due to a heart disease as opposed to those who had lower levels of potassium in their bodies.

(Read more: High blood pressure symptoms)

Grapes contain compounds that can decrease the absorption of cholesterol in the body and prove to be protective against high cholesterol levels. In a study, hyperlipidemic people were made to consume red grapes for a period of 8  weeks. At the end of the designated period, a decrease in “bad” or LDL cholesterol was observed. However, a similar effect was not discovered with the consumption of white grapes.

A  recent study suggests that resveratrol, a chemical compound present in grapes is very beneficial in reducing the risk of atherosclerosis.

(Read more: High cholesterol treatment)

Grapes are a good choice for people suffering from diabetes as they contain a very limited amount of sugar. A clinical study conducted on around 40 men showed that the compounds that are found in grapes can be effective in decreasing blood sugar levels. These men experienced lowered blood sugar levels after consuming grapes each day for a period of 16 weeks.

Resveratrol present in grapes is shown to increase the sensitivity of insulin in the body which may be helpful in reducing blood sugar levels. Furthermore, resveratrol is also responsible for increasing the glucose receptors present on cell membranes increasing the glucose uptake from the blood.

Common eye diseases can be prevented through the regular consumption of grapes. According to an in vivo (animal-based) study, a diet containing grapes showed lower signs of retinal damage and better functioning eyes. The resveratrol content of grapes is very beneficial in reducing the risk of age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Another study suggested that antioxidant properties of resveratrol may be helpful in protecting human eyes against various eye diseases including glaucoma, and cataract. Eyes can also be protected against the harmful effects of blue light through the antioxidants present in grapes like lutein and zeaxanthin.

(Read more: Macular degeneration causes)

Eating grapes on a regular basis can prove to be beneficial for the brain and may also boost memory. In a clinical study, healthy adults were made to consume grapes each day for 12 weeks. Significant improvement in the memory and cognition was observed at the end of 12 weeks. Another study among young adults found that drinking grape juice daily improved mood within 20 minutes of consumption. Improvement in memory-related skills was also noted. Animal-based studies claim that resveratrol may improve learning, mood, and memory when consumed regularly for a period of 4 weeks. It was further reported that grape consumption can lead to an increased blood flow in the brain leading to improved brain functions.

(Read more: Dementia causes)

Grapes contain antioxidants and other plant compounds which can slow down ageing and increase lifespan. Antioxidants scavenge the free radicals present in the body and reduce the symptoms of premature ageing including blemishes, dark spots, and greying of hairs. A study states that resveratrol present in grapes has shown to lengthen the lifespan of various animal species. This compound contains a family of proteins called sirtuins which are associated with longevity.

A number of bioactive compounds present in grapes have been found to exhibit antibacterial properties. As per a study, the skin extract of grapes can act as a protector against the flu virus. In another study, it was shown that grapes are capable of inhibiting the growth and spread of chickenpox and herpes virus. Additionally, it was also been found to be effective in alleviating common yeast infections

Being a rich source of vitamin C, grapes can stimulate the immune system thus improving the capacity of the body to fight against common infections.

(Read more: Immunity boosting foods)

Ingestion of grapes is said to be good for the heart. A clinical study conducted on a group of coronary heart disease 75 patients showed that the regular consumption of resveratrol-containing grape supplement exerted positive cardiovascular benefits.

Additionally, grapes lower the cholesterol content in the body which one of the primary reasons for most heart-related problems including high blood pressure and heart attack.

(Read more: Heart disease causes)