Classified under the family of berries, grapes come in different colours like green, red, black, yellow and pink, as well as different species. Grapes are grown in temperate climates all over the world, including Nigeria, and are called Nigerian grapes. They are plentiful in Nigeria and are very delicious. Grapes are known as one of the primary ingredients for the winemaking process. This article discuses the health benefits of grape.
Nutritional value of grapes
Grapes contain important vitamins and minerals which helps the body to function properly. Grapes contains maily carbohydrates, protein, fibre, vitamin C, vitamin K, thiamine, riboflavin, potassium, manganese, and copper. [1]
Calorie content; one cup (151 grams) of green or red grape contains about 104 calories.
Health benefits of Nigerian Grape
1. Rich in antioxidants
Grapes are high in antioxidants such as carotenoids and polyphenols, which are beneficial in fighting against heart problems, cancer or diabetes and help ease blood pressure. The seeds and skin contain the most antioxidants.
Grapes contain a powerful antioxidant called resveratrol, which helps to prevents diseases such as heart disease, lowers blood sugar and reduces the risk of cancer. [2]
2. Reduces high cholesterol level
The compounds found in grapes helps reduce high cholesterol level. Studies have shown that taking grapes daily could help reduce bad cholesterol, thereby reducing the risk of heart diseases and blood pressure.
Another indicative would be studies that state the foods with resveratrol can help in reducing high cholesterol levels. [3]
3. Improves the memory and mood
Eating grapes regularly also has good benefits for brain development. It could improve our retentive memory. A study has shown that students who take grapes or their supplements have speed of memory-related skills and also improves the mood. It also protects against Alzheimer’s disease.
4. Prevents weak bones
Grapes contain minerals like calcium, magnesium and phosphorus, which help builds strong bones.
5. Protects the body against infections
The doctor always advises you to take enough fruits regularly to prevent you from falling sick easily. One of such fruits you should eat often is grapes. Studies have proved that there are a few compounds found in grapes protect against and fight bacterial and viral infections.
6. Grapes are easy to add to your diet
They can found around the world and be taken either as desserts, to compliment our main meal, used to make grape juice or be taken as a snack. It can also be used in our fruit salads and to make smoothies. You can drink Nigerian grape juice as a healthy Nigerian drink.
7. Good for the eyes
The vitamins contents in grapes have proven to be very useful. Vitamin A, for example, helps boosts vision and improves protective proteins in the retina which is responsible for light entering the eye.
Conclusion
Grapes naturally have sweet tastes. They look exotic and serve different purposes and benefits, as discussed in this article. These health benefits of Nigerian grape, shows you how much you stand to gain health-wise from adding it to your diet. Thus, should start eating Nigerian grape today.
Collins Nwokolo is a human physiologist, writer and health enthusiast. He loves writing helpful articles on health and fitness, which he enjoys sharing with everyone.
