10 Health Benefits of Grapes

One of the most satisfying pleasures in life is biting into a hard, sweet juicy grape. They come in a variety of colours, flavours and textures and are actually considered a berry (who knew?).

The health benefits of grapes are endless, from helping prevent cancer to treating indigestion and poor eyesight.

Grapes are a rich source of Vitamins A, B6, C, and folate, in addition to minerals like potassium, iron, selenium, calcium, phosphorous and magnesium.

Their nutrient density makes them an optimal fruit for individuals pursing an active, healthy life! Be sure to choose organic grapes, and skip the conventional ones, which are sprayed with a myriad of different pesticides and herbicides.

Here are 10 reasons you should start incorporating grapes into your diet today!

1. Cancer prevention

The compound found in grape skins, resveratrol, a potent antioxidant, is incredibly effective against cancerous growths.

Research has shown that resveratrol has the ability to deeply penetrate the center of a cell’s nucleus, allowing the DNA to repair free radical damage that might otherwise contribute to cancerous growth

2. Cardiovascular health

The phytochemicals in grapes activate a process in our genes, which helps reduce damage to the heart muscle itself!

Consuming at least 1-2 cups of grapes daily will not only help reduce the signs of heart muscle damage, but it will help lower blood pressure and improve heart function.

3. Allergy relief

Red grapes contain an anti-inflammatory called resveratrol, which helps relieve allergy symptoms and improves your ability to breathe (especially in spring when things go to seed!).

4. Digestive health

Grapes are great for GI tract health. They help soothe an irritated digestive tract and work great as a mono-meal themselves to help improve digestive function. Eat some grapes to help get rid of indigestion and unnecessary irritation.

5. Bone health

Who knew that grapes could help nourish and strengthen our bones? According to the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research, grapes may protect bone health by improving bone calcium retention. If you want to reduce your chances of developing osteoporosis later in life, eat grapes and ditch the dairy (and other high-protein food products).

6. Lung support

It is curious to note that grapes themselves look like the tiny alveoli in our lungs (perhaps a sign that these little globes of sweetness are perfect for healing lung conditions!). According to Elson M. Hass, M.D., grapes are one of the best ways to help clean out the lungs. Drinking freshly squeezed grape juice for 5-7 days, or simply eating just the grape itself (and nothing else), will help detox and clear the lung of any impurities.

7. Migraine relief

A great way to seek relief from a migraine is to eat grapes! Grapes help reduce blood pressure, and migraines are caused by an enlargement of blood vessels in the head. Put two and two together and you get effective reduction in enlarged blood vessels simply by consuming a cup or two of grapes.

8. Sustained energy

Grapes are one of the purest forms of helping to improve energy levels and sustain them throughout the day. Whenever I eat a meal of grapes, my attention is clearly focused and I feel like I can achieve a million tasks at once. I like to refer to grapes as little mini rocket fuel balls – they contain the perfect balance of water and sugar and are a great afternoon pick-me-up!

9. Eye health

Regular grape consumption may play a role in eye health by protecting the retina from deterioration. Grapes protect our photoreceptors and help prevent macular degeneration and other eye related diseases.

10. Kidney health

Grapes and freshly pressed grape juice is a diuretic and is excellent for cleaning out the kidneys and may help remedy kidney stones! Grapes are also great for the bladder by improving urination and eliminating toxic waste material more efficiently.