5 Ingredients In Healthy Grapes

Illustration of grape content (Pexels/Kai-Chieh Chan)

JAKARTA – The food menu in the form of vegetables and fruits is the best recommendation for daily consumption. The reason is, fruits and vegetables contain a variety of nutrients that the body needs.

One of the fruits referred to as superfoods is grapes which have various color and shape variants. Such as red, purple, green, and dried grapes known as raisins. Reported by Medical News Today, grapes were first cultivated since 8,000 years ago. Currently, 72 tonnes of grapes are grown annually and 7.2 trillion gallons of grapes are produced.

In grapes, there are nutrients that help maintain health. Even the content according to studies is able to prevent cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, to constipation. The following content can help maintain your health when eating grapes.

1. Resveratrol

Red wine, in particular, contains resveratrol which is a compound that lowers the risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and obesity. Resveratrol is also referred to as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory based on studies that contribute to slowing the growth of tumors in the lymph, liver, stomach, breast, colon, skin cancer, and leukemia.

Besides being useful as an anti-cancer, resveratrol can also reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and protect against damage caused by low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol.

According to several studies, resveratrol has also shown benefits to protect against diabetic neuropathy that affects nerve function. Compounds in red grapes have a neuroprotective effect that protects against retinopathy and diabetic neuropathy.

2. Fiber and potassium

Grapes contain fiber and potassium, both of which support heart health. According to The American Heart Association, for someone with heart disease it is recommended to increase potassium intake and reduce salt or sodium consumption. In addition, consuming grapes can help reduce the risk of heart disease.

The potassium in grapes also helps reduce the negative effects of consuming too much salt. For people with high blood pressure, grapes are effective in helping lower blood pressure. Fiber is also important for maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system.

3. Relatively high sugar content

Because the sugar content in grapes is relatively high, it is advisable to consume only fruit or not in the form of juice with added sweetener. The American Diabetes Association answers the question of whether grapes are safe for people with diabetes to eat. Grapes are safe for diabetics as long as the amount of carbohydrates is counted as part of their meal plan.

4. Lutein and zeaxanthin

The two substances, lutein and zeaxanthin, in grapes are antioxidants that help maintain eye health. These substances are thought to neutralize unstable molecules due to free radical attack.

Laboratory tests show that the good compounds in grapes protect against a variety of eye problems, including macular degeneration, which is common with advancing age, glaucoma, and cataracts.

5. Flavonoids myricetin and quercetin

Maintaining the balance of the body and preventing seasonal diseases such as influenza, can be done by eating grapes. The reason is, grapes contain the flavonoids myricetin and quercetin which help the body fight free radical attacks.

The beneficial content of grapes is in the skin. This means that when consuming it, it is recommended to wash it thoroughly and eat with the skin to get optimal benefits.