Did you know that grapes are one of the most popular fruits in the United States after strawberries and bananas? Not so surprising. Grape is sweet like sweets, it is convenient to carry because it does not require tools, and it is very enjoyable to eat. Needless to say, they are packed with a wide range of beneficial nutrients, so you can generally feel better about eating them.
According to Shirlene Reid, RD, MA, grapes, like other fruits, are healthy as long as they are consumed in moderation. The only thing you really need to be aware of is the high sugar content, says Reed. Note that one serving is 1/2 cup (or about 16 grapes). You may want to separate its serving size with a plastic bag so you don’t get hooked.
But have you ever wondered how eating grapes affects your body? Experts say there are pros and cons to eating them. There are some common side effects to note here.
Looking to keep your brain in top shape as you get older? Next, consider packing grapes in your work lunch bag.
“Grape improves memory and concentration,” says Danielle McAvoy, RD of Strong Home Gym. “The antioxidant compounds in grapes help minimize oxidative stress in the brain, which protects the brain from age-related cognitive decline and memory loss.”
Melissa Mitri, RD of Zenmaster Wellness, states that grapes can improve blood flow to the brain and improve daily concentration.
Studies show that resveratrol, a specific antioxidant found primarily in grape skin, suppresses inflammation in the brain and removes the amyloid beta peptide associated with the progression of the disease in Alzheimer’s disease. It fills up when it accumulates, which helps mitigate the risk.
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Chronic inflammation is associated with cancer, heart disease, asthma, type 2 diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis, among other conditions. Fortunately, grapes are rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin K, polyphenols, catechins and anthocyanins. All of this helps reduce inflammation, says Jesse Fedder, RD and personal trainer at Strength Warehouse.
“In addition, grapes, especially red grapes, are known to be rich in resveratrol,” Feder adds. “Studies have shown that this compound protects against oxidative stress and inflammation.”
Specifically, resveratrol provides a protective lining of blood vessels to prevent damage and thereby prevent inflammation of the heart.
Leaving high blood pressure unchecked can increase the risk of two major causes of death: heart disease and stroke. Fortunately, however, there are many easy ways to treat and prevent high blood pressure. For one, McAvoy and Mitri suggest snacking on some grapes. Grapes are high in potassium and low in sodium, which helps balance blood pressure.
2016 survey Nutrients Potassium has been suggested to help lower blood pressure by helping dilate veins and arteries while flushing out excess sodium.
Grapes are a great evening treat because they help drift and catch high quality Z, McAvoy says. why? This fruit contains a small amount of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate the body’s sleep and wake cycle.
Try eating grapes 1-2 hours before bedtime. Also, pay attention to the amount. Failure to do so can result in accidental excess sugar and poor sleep quality.
If you don’t know how many grapes you ate (which is easy), you may have experienced stomach pain. According to Reed, this is usually caused by the high amount of fructose in the grapes (about 3 grams per cup of raspberry, compared to about 12.4 grams per cup).
“Fructose is a natural sugar found in fruits and can generate gas when ingested in large quantities,” says Reed. “Therefore, if you eat too much, gas can cause abdominal pain. The tannins in grapes can also affect nausea in the stomach. These naturally occurring polyphenols can also affect the skin and It is found in seeds, causes nausea, and eating large amounts causes diarrhea. “
Mitri adds that some people who are particularly sensitive to these compounds in grapes may experience bloating, constipation, or diarrhea after eating too much.
Health Canal’s RDN, Sara Chatfield, calls grapes one of her go-to snacks. This is because this fruit contains vitamin C, beta-carotene, quercetin, and other antioxidants known to promote immune health.
The stronger your immunity, the more your body is ready to fight the disease. What is the reason for eating grapes during the cold and flu season?
