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Grapes Are The Food Of The Gods. Or The Benefits And Harms Of Grapes

Interestingly, wild grapes existed as far back as the dawn of mankind. Therefore, it is not surprising that the berries of a plant belonging to the Vitis genus have such a significant history. By the way, back in the first century AD, the ancient Greeks, while cultivating grapes, discovered its healing properties and developed a wonderful system of treatment – ampelotherapy.
Today, grapes are used in dietary nutrition, and in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

The benefits of grapes for the human body

Grapes, along with excellent taste characteristics, have such a high nutritional value (0.7-1.0 kcal/kg) that their consumption is recommended for people during the exhausting period of rehabilitation. In addition, grapes are characterized by anti-inflammatory and mucolytic (sputum-thinning) properties, which makes it desirable to include them on the menu of people suffering from chronic bronchitis.

Regular consumption of berries improves all significant blood parameters and helps to increase hemoglobin. And given that grapes are a real storehouse of essential micronutrients, including silicon, iron, phosphorus, zinc, calcium, and vital vitamins (groups B, C, P, and PP), they can be used to enhance the body’s defenses, improve resistance to disease and replenish vitality.

The grape diet is also indicated for those who have a history of pancreatitis and cholecystitis solely because grapes provoke bile secretion, which, accordingly, helps to cleanse the body.
Grape seeds contain antioxidants that prevent the oxidation of cholesterol, which blocks blood vessels. Grapes are also indispensable for chronic constipation. Definitely, the benefits and harms of grapes for the human body are the delicate balance that helps to prolong youth without harm to health.

The harm of grapes to the human body

Grapes contain a huge amount of sugar, which makes it impossible for people with diabetes to consume them. It is also not recommended to include grapes in the diet for people struggling with obesity, liver cirrhosis, and hypertension. Due to the fact that berries contain a high percentage of tartaric and malic acids, grapes are contraindicated in peptic ulcers, stomatitis, and caries. Care should be taken when eating grapes during pregnancy.

How to choose grapes?

The grapes should be whole grapes, without rot, the twig should be green, not brown, and the grapes should be firm, not soft.

How to store grapes?

It is better to eat grapes fresh, but nothing will happen to them in the refrigerator for a few days.

How to eat grapes?

Grapes should be consumed in moderation, preferably no more than one bunch per day, if the bunch is too large (about 1 kg), then it is better to eat no more than 300-500 grams of grapes per day. Fresh grapes give off all the nutrients, you can also consume them in the form of freshly prepared juice. And don’t forget to rinse it thoroughly, or better yet, pour boiling water over it.

It is important to remember that the benefits of grapes will only be realized if you have no contraindications to their use if it is selected, stored, and consumed correctly.

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Written by Bella Adams

I'm a professionally-trained, executive chef with over ten years in Restaurant Culinary and hospitality management. Experienced in specialized diets, including Vegetarian, Vegan, Raw foods, whole food, plant-based, allergy-friendly, farm-to-table, and more. Outside of the kitchen, I write about lifestyle factors that impact well-being.

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