Among the properties of the grape, its antioxidant contribution with the famous resveratrol compound stands out. There are about 60 varieties of grapes and about 8,000 varieties, the most common being European and American.
Did you know that grape seeds are edible and a source of antioxidants? They have phenolic acids, flavonoids and anthocyanins.
Because they are rich in antioxidants, eating grapes with their seeds helps protect you from cellular oxidation and prevents disease.
Grapes are Among the Oldest Fruits in the World
The cultivation of grapes or viticulture is very old, according to the University of Missouri, archaeological evidence indicates that the cultivation of this fruit began as early as 6500 BC. c, during the Neolithic period. Around the year 4000 A.D. Cultivation of the C grape spread from the Caucasus to Asia Minor and across the Nile Delta to Egypt.
The first law legalizing the wine trade dates back to 1700 BC. C – Issued in Babylon by the hands of Hammurabi. The spread of grapes is attributed to the Hittite culture, a culture that lived in Asia Minor, present-day Turkey. Before 1700 BC.
Around 3000 BC c, the Hittites migrated to Crete, Thrace and the Bosphorus, bringing grapes with them.
The height of this culture was during the reign of King Sopiluliuma and lasted until 1200 BC. The Greeks and Carthaginians later expanded the cultivation of grapes, which later continued into the Roman Empire.
After the fall of the Roman Empire in 476 AD. c, grape growing continued to flourish mainly in monasteries. Over time, the use of wine spread, leading to an increased demand for grapes.
Currently, according to data from statista.com, the largest grape producing country is China with 11,200 metric tons, followed by India with 3,000 metric tons and the European Union with 1,450 metric tons.
Calories and Nutrients
Grapes provide 69 calories per 100 grams, a good amount of energy, 18 grams of carbohydrates.
- Proteins (0.7 g)
- Carbs (18g)
- Fat (0.2g)
- Fiber, (0.9 grams)
- Vitamin B1 – Thiamine (0.069 mg)
- Vitamin B2 – Riboflavin (0.070 M)
- Vitamin B3 – Niacin (0.188 mg)
- Vitamin B6 – Pyridoxine (0.086 mg)
- Folate – (2 mcg)
- Vitamin A (19 mcg)
- Vitamin C (3.2 mg)
- Vitamin E (0.19 mg)
- Vitamin K (14.6 mcg)
- Calcium (10 mg)
- Copper (0.127 mg)
- Magnesium (7mg)
- Iron (0.36 mg)
- potassium (191 mg)
- Phosphorus (20 mg)
- Sodium (2 mg)
- Zinc (0.07 mg)
- Selenium (0.1.ug)
Data per 100 grams: www.nutritionvalue.org
Properties of Grape
Sources of Antioxidants – Cancer Prevention
As I mentioned at the beginning, grapes and their seeds are rich in antioxidants such as flavonoids and anthocyanins. One of the most well-known antioxidants is resveratrol, which has been shown to prevent inflammation and reduce the risk of cancer.
Helps to Lower Blood Pressure
About 151 grams of grapes contain 288 mg of potassium, and this mineral helps maintain healthy blood pressure levels. Potassium has a vasodilating effect, which helps regulate blood pressure.
Low potassium intake is associated with an increased risk of developing high blood pressure. In addition, not only grapes, but also the seeds have beneficial properties for regulating blood pressure.
Balances Blood Sugar
About 150 grams of grapes contain about 22 calories and their glycemic index (GI) is 53. Compounds in grapes can lower blood sugar levels.
In a study of 38 men for 16 weeks, those who took 20 grams of grape extract daily had lower blood sugar levels compared to a control group. Resveratrol also increases the number of glucose receptors on cell membranes, which can have a beneficial effect on blood sugar.
Good for Eye Health
Among the antioxidant compounds found in grapes, lutein and zeaxanthin stand out, which have been shown to help protect the eyes from damage caused by blue light. In a study carried out on mice that supplemented their diet with grapes. They showed less signs of retinal damage and better retinal function than mice that were not given this fruit.
Improve Brain Health and Memory
Several studies have shown that drinking grape juice rapidly improves memory-related skills and mood within 20 minutes of consuming it.
In another study, 111 healthy elderly people were treated for 12 weeks. They took the 250 mg grape supplement and significantly improved scores on a cognitive test that measures memory, language and attention, compared to baseline.
Potential Benefits for Bone Health
Grapes contain many minerals that help our bones: calcium, magnesium, potassium, manganese, phosphorus and vitamin K. Studies in rodents have shown that consuming resveratrol improves bone density, but these results have not been confirmed in humans.
