6 Health Benefits Of Consuming Red Grapes

Sweet, luscious red grapes may seem like a decadent treat but they are surprisingly healthy. Whatever variety you choose the “red globe” which is very sweet and has large seeds, the “crimson” which is a seedless variety, or the “flame” which is medium in size, seedless, and has a faintly tart flavor these succulent treats have something to offer everyone. Here are health benefits you can look forward to when you chomp down on grapes:

# Contain Protective And Antiaging Antioxidants

Red grapes contain compounds such as rutin, quercetin, and resveratrol which are powerful antioxidants.1 How do these help? Antioxidants can protect your body from the harmful effects of free radicals. As we all know, free radicals can have a damaging effect on your cells and DNA and are implicated in conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Free radicals also play a role in aging. These compounds are produced by the body during the course of converting food into energy and are present in environmental toxins, alcohol, and processed foods too.

# Fight Inflammation

Red grapes can also help fight inflammation. In fact, drinking red grape juice can even be beneficial for people who are prone to inflammation. In one study, red grape juice extracts were found to help people undergoing hemodialysis, reducing inflammatory biomarkers.

Lifestyle factors like being overweight, having an unhealthy diet or one rich in refined carbs and simple sugars, drinking, and smoking can all promote inflammation. And persistent inflammation has been linked to a host of health problems such as arthritis, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease, so it’s important to load up on foods such as red grapes which have anti-inflammatory properties.

# Lower Triglyceride And LDL Cholesterol Levels

Are you concerned about your cholesterol levels? Resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant found in red grapes, can help balance cholesterol levels. In fact, one animal study found that resveratrol not only suppressed LDL cholesterol but also reduced triglyceride levels in the blood. The hypocholesterolemic action of resveratrol is thought to be due to its ability to increase the excretion of cholesterol through stool. Of course, it’s also important for you to identify the root cause of the inflammation that’s causing cholesterol, but foods like grapes can both fight the inflammation and help balance the cholesterol ratio in your body.

# Keep Your Blood Vessels Healthy

Noshing on red grapes may keep your blood vessels and, by extension, your heart healthy. One study found that patients with coronary heart disease who took a red grape polyphenol extract experienced an increase in flow-mediated dilation after they did so. Flow-mediated dilation refers to the widening of an artery in response to increased blood flow in that artery. This is a measure of the health of your blood vessels and a dysfunction here is associated with atherosclerosis.

# Protect Your Vision

Red grapes contain lutein and zeaxanthin, two carotenoids with antioxidant properties that are important for the health of your eyes. These antioxidants filter out harmful blue light wavelengths and help to maintain and protect cells in your eyes. Research also shows that they lessen the risk of chronic eye diseases such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. So nosh on red grapes to up your intake of protective carotenoids and keep your eyes healthy.

# Help Deal With Diabetes

Including red grapes in a healthy balanced diet can help if you want to control your blood sugar levels. The benefits that red grapes offer to people with diabetes can be attributed again to resveratrol. Research has found that this compound can reduce blood sugar levels as well as improve insulin sensitivity.