Grapes are called the queen of fruits for its unique and refreshing taste, apart from taste they also contain several essential nutrients which helps in preventing diseases like heart attack, piles, hypertension, stress, high fever, liver disorders and so on.
A grape is a fruit of deciduous woody wines of the flowering plant genus vitis. Its scientific name is vitis vinifera and belongs to the vitaceae family. Grapes are versatile fruits growing in clusters on a grapevine. Grapes are called the queen of fruits and said to be the oldest cultivated fruits. The cultivation of grapes began 6000 years ago in Europe, they are native of western Asia and central Europe and now cultivated across the globe. It is referred as the fruit of wine in the Bible. Grapes are used for making wine, jam, juice, jelly, vinegar and raisins. Grapes are berries with round or oval shaped and have semi translucent flesh with smooth skin. There are 15 varieties of grapes are available, some are used for making wine, raisins and some can be eaten raw as table grapes. 15 types are moon drops, concord, pinot noir, lemberger, sweet jubilee, valiant, champagne, crimson seedless, kyoho, cotton candy, Riesling, gewürztraminer, moon balls, sultana and fry muscadine. They are available in different sizes and colours like crimson, black, dark blue, pale yellow, purple, green or pink. Grapes when dried become raisins. Grapes are famous for their versatility, variety and portability. Taste, colour and size of the grapes depend on the local cultivated conditions. Wine grapes are much sweeter and juicier than the table grapes.
Vitamins and Nutrients Present in Grapes:
Grapes contain several nutrients and vitamins that are useful for our health life. Grapes are high in water and considered as low calorie food. Grapes are good source of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin K. These vitamins are very helpful in repair and growth of body tissues, heals wounds.
Grapes contain phytonutrients, including phenols, polyphenols, resveratrol and carotenoids which are good for heart. Grapes are rich in minerals like copper, iron, manganese and rich in electrolytes like potassium. Grapes contain polyphenols, antioxidants and little fibre.
Incredible Health Benefits of Grapes :
Some important health benefits of grapes include
Control cancer– Grapes contain antioxidants called polyphenols; they control many type of cancers. Grapes contain anticancer agents and help to treat breast, colon, and prostate cancers.
Treats indigestion and constipation– Grapes are considered as light food, they relieve heat, treat indigestion and irritation in the stomach. Grapes contain high insoluble fibre and effective in treating constipation.
Control fatigue and anemia– Iron contents in grapes control fatigue. Grapes maintain iron and mineral levels balanced in the body and treats anemia.
Controls BP– Grapes contain potassium and polyphenol that helps to control BP. Potassium in grapes supports heart health.
Good for skin and hair– Green grapes are very good for skin, they protect our skin from sun burn, lightens scars, makes skin smooth. Green grapes are very beneficial for our skin. Vitamin C in grapes helps stop skin aging and gives fresh skin. Grapes contains vitamin C and antioxidants which are beneficial for hair, control hair fall, improves circulation in scalp and provides volume to hair.
Grapes are useful in treating Alzheimer’s disease, heals kidney disorders and also grape juice is like a home remedy for migraine, it gives relief from pain.