Written By: Sameer Jha | Updated : January 20, 2015 4:05 PM IST
Grapes may not very high in calories, but a cup of these small pellets of sweetness contain 15 grams of sugar.
With their delicious, sweet taste and small, beaded appearance, grapes or angoor serve as a great addition to fruit salad. Besides, they are also a healthy addition to your diet, offering key health-promoting components that are not so easily obtained through food that you eat regularly. Apart from the fact that you can just pop them as you go along without bothering much about cutting, slicing, peeling or removing seeds, we give you some real reasons to include them fruit in your diet.
1# Prevents heart disease: Grapes are packed with polyphenols and flavonoids like quercetin that help prevent heart disease development by inhibiting oxidation of bad cholesterol (LDL), improving endothelial function and reducing blood pressure. These compounds also have effect on reducing inflammation and inhibiting platelet aggregation that promotes atherosclerosis and causes heart attack [1]. Read about more foods that can help prevent heart disease.
2# Helps you lose weight: Like cucumber and bottle gourd, grapes too is a good option for those looking to lose weight. A 100g serving contains just 67 calories, and since the fruit is loaded with water and fibre, it ll make you feel full and reduce hunger pangs for a long time. Here is sample weight loss diet by an expert dietician that you can use.
3# Helps prevent cancer: Grapes have several antioxidants along with anti-inflammatory properties which makes it really good for preventing cancer. Antioxidants like myricetin and quercetin prevents your cells from suffering from free radical damage and keeps cancer at bay [2].
4# Good for your eyes: Eyes are an extremely important part of our body as without it there would only be darkness. Grapes are rich in antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin which have been linked to a reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration.
5# Prevents constipation: Grapes and grape juice are widely recommended for those who suffer from constipation. Not only they are loaded with fibre that facilitates good bowel movements but also improves digestive health by boosting the production of digestive enzymes. Read about some other home remedies for constipation.
6# Keeps you looking younger: The strong antioxidant property of polyphenolic compounds and vitamins present in grapes that prevent early ageing caused by free radical damage.
7# Good for diabetics: Even though most fruits are good for diabetics, certain fruits like watermelon have a high glycaemic index. Grapes have a sweet taste but they have a low glycemic index of 46 making it suitable for diabetics. According to a study published in The Journal Of Nutrition, grapes can even help in the better functioning of beta cells that produce insulin. Read more to understand what is glycaemic index.
8# Helps improve memory: The role of grapes in complex process of memory and cognition has been studied extensively in the past few years. While some chemical components in grapes are linked to improved memory and cognition, animal studies suggest that regular consumption of grapes may prevent age-related memory decline [3,4].
9# Boosts immunity: Antioxidants in grapes have been associated with reduced risk of uncontrolled immune response. Studies have shown that consumption of grapes has an immune-modulating effects in the immune system, which results in reduced inflammation and increased production of immune mediators that make immune responses stronger, conferring better protection against infections [4].
Helps eliminate toxins due to high water content
80% of grapes is water which helps in flushing out the toxins from your body. Also, people whose jobs require them to travel in the sun should eat grapes to keep themselves hydrated and prevent the loss of minerals that occurs through sweating.
Image source: Getty images
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