In the search for a healthier lifestyle, a tasty snack stands out for its health benefits group.
This old fruit was considered a symbol of luxury and, in many ways, it still is.
And since it is 81% of water and only records 62 calories per portion, it will surely keep it hydrated and stop the unhealthy cravings.
“The grapes are fantastic because they are not only affordable, but are versatile,” said dietitian Anthony Dimarino to the Cleveland Clinic. “They can be used in many different dishes and situations.”
A power of nutrients and antioxidants, there are many reasons why this delicious fruit, which some call “sweets of nature”, is so grape for you.
Cancer prevention
The grapes are notable for having more than 1,600 compounds of different plants, many of which contain an incredible variety of antioxidants.
For example, anthocyanins are responsible for giving red grapes their rich tone, and also fight free radicals that can damage cells and lead to cancer.
The skin and seeds of red grapes are especially rich in resveratrol, which is known to reduce inflammation and reduce its risk of heart disease and cancer.
Resveratrol is also present in red wine, but since there are currently significant doubts about whether the anxtioxidant content really compensates the effects of alcohol that cause cancer, it is likely to be better with a handful of grapes.
A study published in Nutrition Journal found that adults over 50 who ate 150 to 450 grams of daily grapes for two weeks showed a reduction in colon cancer signs.
Research has also shown that grape extracts can inhibit the growth and spread of breast cancer cells and human colon in laboratory environments and animal studies.
Heart health
“The grapes are very low in sodium,” Dimarino said. “They fit well into a low sodium diet plan that helps reduce blood pressure.”
They also contain a lot of potassium, which can help regulate their blood sugar levels, and polyphenols, particularly resveratrol, which have been shown to reduce blood pressure, reduce bad cholesterol levels and decrease the risk of heart disease.
A 2015 study found that people with high cholesterol who ate three cups of red grapes per day had lower levels of total cholesterol and bad cholesterol at the end of the 8 -week test.
“I always explain it almost like a street sweeper,” Dimarino said. “It gets into the bloodstream and carries all that cholesterol from the body to the liver where it is processed.”
Brain food
Research shows that grapes can give a boost to brain health.
A 2017 study showed that adults who took a 250 mg grape supplement every day for 12 weeks showed significant improvements in linguistic skills, memory and concentration.
In another 2017 study, younger adults consumed 230 ml of grape juice could complete the tasks related to the fastest memory and seemed to be in a better humor in just 20 minutes.
Research suggests that resveratrol -free combat properties can also protect it from dementia and cognitive deterioration.
“Think about Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease, those can be signs of oxidative stress,” Dimarino said. “Resveratrol can help reduce the possibilities of these diseases.”
Aging fights
That powerful antioxidant, resveratrol, can keep your skin as fresh and plump as a handful of grapes directly from the vine reducing cell damage.
“It helps protect certain genes, which leads to healthy aging and longevity,” Dimarino said.
Improves sleep
You probably heard that melatonin can help you sleep, and you don’t need to take supplements to obtain a dose of this natural hormone.
You can take a handful of grapes, especially because they double as a delicious dessert after dinner for the conscious of the weight.
“The grapes have a degree of melatonin in them,” Dimarino said. “So they are a great night snack. They do not have many calories and can potentially help you fall asleep.”
