With the arrival of autumn comes (finally) the grape season.
Among the most appreciated and versatile fruits in the food world, grapes, available in various varieties ranging from pale green to deep purple, not only brighten our markets with their vibrant colors but also offer a wide range of flavors, from sweet to slightly tangy.
But beyond being a treat for the eyes and the palate, grapes are also a valuable source of health benefits.
Incorporating this fruit into your daily diet means providing your body with antioxidants and essential nutrients for your well-being.
Beat the Seasonal Blues with the Right Foods!
All the Health Benefits of Grapes
1. Grapes Are an Excellent Source of Antioxidants
Grapes are a true treasure chest of antioxidants and polyphenols. Grape juice, seeds, and skins are rich in flavonoids, resveratrol, anthocyanins, and phenolic acids.
These compounds play a crucial role in protecting our cells from harmful free radicals. In other words, eating grapes helps reduce oxidative stress, a factor contributing to many chronic diseases.
2. Improves Heart Health
Grapes are a good source of fiber and potassium, two essential elements for the optimal functioning of the heart.
Polyphenols like resveratrol and quercetin not only improve blood circulation but also protect the cardiovascular system from inflammatory and oxidative damage.
3. Helps Reduce Cholesterol
Thanks to its high fiber content, grapes are an excellent choice for those looking to lower cholesterol.
A study showed that people who consumed about 500 grams of red grapes daily for eight weeks experienced a reduction in total cholesterol and LDL, the “bad” cholesterol.
4. Supports Weight Loss
Scientific research revealed that the resveratrol in grapes, especially in combination with soy isoflavones, can support weight loss in two ways: by drastically reducing the ability of cells to store fat and by accelerating the breakdown of fat cells.
5. Help Protect Our Eyes
The antioxidant compounds in grapes, such as resveratrol, and carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin, play a key role in protecting the eyes from damage caused by UV rays.
These nutrients are particularly important for defending the macula from the effects of blue light emitted by smartphones and tablets, making grapes a true shield for visual health.
6. Helps Prevent Certain Types of Cancer
A scientific study demonstrated that a daily diet rich in grapes can prevent the expression of genes that promote tumor growth in the colon.
More generally, research shows that this food also contains antioxidants like resveratrol, catechins, quercetin, and anthocyanins, which can protect against certain types of cancer by reducing inflammation and blocking the growth of cancer cells.
7. Improves Cognitive Functions
Grapes prove to be a valuable ally for cognitive functions, thanks to their high content of antioxidants, particularly resveratrol. Recent studies have shown that drinking grape juice, especially purple grape juice, can improve reaction time and promote a sense of calm, contributing to a better mood and increased focus.
These antioxidants protect brain cells from oxidative damage, thus supporting memory and learning abilities.
This article first appeared on Grazia.it
