GRAPES

Grapes invigorate the heart and improves blood flow

The grape is fruit of the vine which has many names. The French call it Raisin, the Spanish: Uva. It is a climbing vine of the botanical family vitaceae. Grapes are an aggregate of fruits that grows in clusters from few to more than one hundred.

Grapes, after the orange are the most cultivated fruit in the. Unfortunately, only a small percentage of grapes are eaten as fruit; most is used for the production of alcoholic beverages especially wine.

The Mediterranean people consume significant quantities of grapes as fruit. They have cultivated grapes around this sea for thousands of years.

Recent scientific studies attribute the sound cardiac health of the Mediterranean peoples specifically on some nutrients found in grapes.

PROPERTIES OF GRAPES

• Vitamin B complex stand out among the nutrients in grapes. Vitamins are responsible for the metabolism of sugars. Other vitamins exist such as A, E, C
• Sugars are in proportions of 15% and 30%. Grapes that grow in cold regions have lower sugar content, while those grown in hot, dry regions are much sweeter.

Grapes contain simple sugars; glucose and fructose that pass directly into the bloodstream without need for digestion.

• Minerals like potassium and iron are the most abundant minerals in grapes; they also contain calcium, phosphorus and copper.
• Fiber makes up 1% of the grape fruit; soluble vegetable fiber(pectin).
• Non-nutritive substances; Grapes contain numerous chemical substances which do not fit into the classical groups of nutrients called PHYTOCHEMICALS. These are powerful antioxidants which prevent the oxidation of cholesterol that causes arteriosclerosis. They also alkalize the blood.

Phytochemicals comprise;

• Flavonoids; They are antioxidants
• Resveratrol; It stops the progress of heart disease, arteriosclerosis.
• Anthocyanidins; They prevent coronary heart disease.

   MEDICAL INDICATIONS OF GRAPES

• Cardiovascular diseases; grapes are highly recommended for any cardiac condition because their sugars give energy to the heart. Their minerals; calcium, magnesium, potassium is involved in cardiac contractions. Additionally, grapes contain no sodium and cholesterol, the two arch enemies of the cardiovascular system.
• Anemia; Grapes are some of the richest fresh fruits in iron(0.26mg/100g). The iron in grapes is difficult to absorb than the iron in meat. However, its absorption is facilitated by vitamin C in the grape itself and from other foods. All anemic people soon notice an improvement an improvement in their condition with regular consumption of grapes.
• Liver disorders; grapes activate the detoxifying effects of the liver, increasing bile production. Grapes facilitate blood circulation in the portal system and thus help in reducing cirrhosis and ascites (accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity) due to portal hypertension.
• Intestinal disorders; Grapes are a mild laxative that relieves chronic constipation due to the lazy intestine. They also balance intestinal flora and avoid putrefaction caused by a diet rich in animal proteins.
• Renal disorders; Because of the diuretic and decongestive action of grapes, and their mineral composition and their low level of proteins, grapes are highly recommended in case of renal failures due to nephritis, nephrosis, and other causes.
• Gouts and excess uric acid; Grapes are excellent in eliminating excess uric acid in the kidneys due to their alkalizing and diuretic effects. Regular grape consumption as well as grape treatment is particularly beneficial for arthritics, the obese, and those with a diet rich in meat products.
• Cancerous processes; The substance called resveratrol found in grapes especially in the skin has been shown experimentally to possess antitumor properties. Abundant consumption of grapes is advised as a complement to other treatments for those who have been diagnosed with cancer or who are at high risk of it.