Grapes are one of the popular, delicious and nutritious fruits which are mainly of two colours- light green and black. This fruit is rich in vitamins, fibre and other nutrients in which rich medicinal properties are found. Eating grapes lowers cholesterol and keeps the heart-healthy. Experts are of the view that the inclusion of grapes in the diet has positive effects on physical and mental health. Therefore, in Ayurveda, grapes have been described as a treasure of health.

 

Importance of Grapes in Ayurveda

Due to being rich in medicinal properties, grapes have been considered good in Ayurveda. According to Ayurveda, its effect is cooling. Apart from vitamins A, C, B6, folate, many types of minerals like potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium and selenium are also found in grapes which are beneficial for our health and beauty. Consuming them prevents cancer cells from growing. Grapes in this form helps in protecting against heart-related diseases and other diseases. Its main component is resveratrol, a type of polyphenol which is known to have various medicinal properties in human diseases. For this reason, grapes are used to make medicines for many diseases. Apart from this, the oil made from it is used in many ways for health benefits. This includes applying it directly to the skin to remove beauty problems, as a body oil for cooking food, as a body massage, as a hair oil to keep hair healthy.

 

Benefits of grapes

Helpful in keeping the heart-healthy-

Grapes are very beneficial in keeping the heart healthy as various types of phytonutrients are found in them which can protect the cardiovascular system. They prevent heart diseases before they progress by preventing the damage caused by oxidation on the heart. Apart from this, the polyunsaturated fatty acids present in it work to reduce the amount of bad cholesterol which is very important for a healthy heart.

 

Beneficial for immunity

Grapes boosts immunity as it contains an ample amount of vitamin C which plays an important role in boosting immunity. In addition to vitamin C, vitamin E found in grapes also helps in increasing immunity. Therefore, grapes must be included in your diet.

 

For blood pressure-

Grapes play an important role in normalizing blood pressure. It contains gamma-linoleic acid, which is a type of anti-inflammatory fatty acid. Its main function is to provide relaxation to the nerves. Along with this, it also helps in maintaining normal blood flow in the body due to which the blood pressure in the body remains normal.

 

Beneficial in the problem of diabetes-

The benefits of grapes are also known to solve the problems related to diabetes. Grapes are considered a good source of lipids. According to Ayurveda, consuming such foods in which lipids are present in sufficient quantity is beneficial for diabetes patients.

 

Helps in maintaining healthy cholesterol-

The polyphenols found in grapes help maintain healthy cholesterol by controlling the production of hypolipidemic insulin. In addition, this ingredient is thought to be effective for lowering "bad" (LDL) cholesterol levels because it prevents the hardening of the arteries. It also reduces the risk of damage to the heart muscle and blood vessels. Therefore, for healthy cholesterol, you should include grapes in your diet.

 

To improve kidney function-

The antioxidants present in the seeds of grapes help in curing and preventing kidney-related problems like kidney stones, frequent urination, high bladder activity etc. This ensures the proper functioning of the kidney. In this way, the consumption of grape seed powder helps prevent kidney problems.

 

For constipation-

Many people are troubled by constipation due to changing environment and wrong eating habits. To get rid of this, a diet rich in fibre must be taken. The amount of fibre in grapes is high which can help in reducing the problem of constipation to some extent.

 

Effective in preventing cancer-

Grapes are a rich source of antioxidants and phytochemicals hence it prevents cancer from taking over the body and the growth of tumours. It also destroys cancer cells. Grapes are particularly beneficial in preventing breast cancer. According to the report published on the website of NCBI, there are antioxidant and anti-cancer properties present in grapes that help prevent breast cancer.

 

Effective in strengthening the bones-

Grapes are considered a good source of minerals and phytochemicals, therefore, the element present in them helps in preventing diseases like osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. It also contains antioxidants that strengthen the bones. The polyphenols called proanthocyanidins found in it promote bone health. Apart from this, the consumption of grapes also prevents inflammation and the production of free radicals in the body that damage bones.

 

For asthma-

Change in weather, dust-soil and pollution prove to be very harmful to asthma patients. In such a situation, the symptoms of asthma can be reduced to some extent by including grapes in your diet. Inflammation in the airways is the main cause of asthma and various researches have found that the proanthocyanidin present in grape seeds reduces inflammation which can prove to be a good asthma treatment. In addition, grapes contain flavonoids and phenolic acid which reduces inflammation in the lungs when travelling in an aeroplane and also makes the immune system healthy. Apart from this, grapes also help the asthma sufferer to breathe freely.

 

For brain health-

Consumption of grapes is also beneficial for mental disorders. According to research, it was found that grapes work to increase oxygen in the brain and reduce mental weakness. Grapes have also been considered very beneficial in Alzheimer's disease. Apart from this, it also contains antioxidants like flavonoids and resveratrol, which sharpen the brain and make the cells healthy.

 

Beneficial for skin-

The consumption of grapes is very good for the skin. It works to take care of the health of the skin. The antioxidant and resveratrol present in it remove many problems related to the skin. Along with this, the vitamin E present in it is also very beneficial for the skin. Apart from this, applying grape seed oil on the skin removes the problem of fine lines, acne, wrinkles and ageing. This oil improves the elasticity of the skin and maintains its moisture level.

 

Beneficial for hair-

Grapes are one of the nutritious fruit that is beneficial for hair. The nutrients present in it make the hair healthy and strengthen them. Vitamin E present in grapes gives essential nourishment to the hair and also promote hair growth. Apart from this, grape seed oil also proves to be very beneficial for the hair.

 

Side effects of Grapes

Excessive consumption of grapes can be harmful to the heart.

Consuming grapes in excess can lead to weight gain.

Consuming it in excess can cause indigestion.

Consuming grapes in excess can affect the quality of sperm.

Where are Grapes found?

Nashik is known as the grape capital of India and one of the best exports of grapes from the country. While Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Mizoram, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir are the major producing states.