Grapes Regenerate Cells, Offer Protection Against Cancer

Grapes are among the most beloved fruits, noted for their health benefits. With more than 20 antioxidants they contain, grapes renew cells and protect against cancer; they can be consumed fresh in summer and dried in winter, and their benefits increase when consumed with seeds. Due to their high sugar content, diabetic patients need to consume them carefully. Memorial Wellness Nutrition Consultant Dyt. Vildan Çelik shared information about grapes' health benefits. More than 20 varieties of grapes are found worldwide. Grapes, whose cultivation dates back thousands of years, are among the oldest fruits cultivated in Anatolia, the Near East and Europe. Grape fruit, vine leaves and seeds have high nutritional value and rich antioxidant content. Thanks to their high antioxidant content, they are beneficial for diseases such as diabetes, cancer, cell aging and heart disease, and help support the immune system.

Protects Heart Health

Anthocyanins, which give fruits and vegetables their red and purple color, contain a higher number of antioxidants. Red and purple grapes are among these fruits. Foods rich in anthocyanins:

• Are protective against heart disease,
• Fight free radicals and delay aging,
• Help protect against cancer,
• Recent studies show are important for eye health. Grapes are more beneficial when consumed with seeds.

Resveratrol Benefits Eye Health

Resveratrol, found more in red-purple grapes, has benefits for many diseases due to its high antioxidant capacity. Resveratrol protects bone, heart, vascular and liver health. At the same time, it delays the effects of aging and supports healthy aging. A study shows that eating grapes can help protect eye health.

Resveratrol Has Cancer-Inhibiting Properties

There are many scientific publications, particularly investigating the relationship between cancer and resveratrol. These publications show that red grape seed extract and resveratrol have cytotoxic effects on various cancer cell lines. Cytotoxic effect refers to substances that act toxically on cells, killing them or stopping their function. However, particularly when fighting inflammation in the body, in order to get more resveratrol as support, eating too many red grapes or drinking grape juice would also increase sugar intake. Therefore, those who wish to benefit more from antioxidant properties can consume grape seed extract.

Diabetic Patients Should Consume Controlled Amounts

Unripe grapes are called verjuice. It has immune-boosting and protective effects against skin diseases. Verjuice is particularly used in the Aegean region to add a sour taste to dishes. The dried form of grapes, thanks to its high fiber content, supports intestinal movement. An important point regarding grapes is that they are a fruit with high fructose content, so patients with diabetes or gout should be careful to consume them in controlled amounts, at the right quantity and at the right time.