Grapes are Amazing Anti-aging Fruits

Grapes are an excellent source of health promoting agents. The most important components in grapes that exert strong anti-aging benefits are flavanoids and resveratrol. These two compounds promise to decelerate the process of aging and yield several medical and cosmetic benefits.

How do Grapes Fight Aging?

Flavanoids (present in abundance in grapes) are powerful anti-oxidants. These flavanoids protect the blood vessels from oxidative damage, prevent platelet clumping, ward off atherosclerosis, cut down on the risk of developing heart diseases and thus, combat age-related cardio-vascular disorders significantly.

Characteristically, darker the color of the grape, greater is the concentration of flavanoids.

Resveratrol is another key component that has strong anti-aging effects. Resveratrol belongs to a group of compounds called phytoalexins that plants synthesize in self defense.

This compound is a potent anti-oxidant. It fights free radical damage. Resveratrol battles environmental stressors successfully, be it chemical or physical. Laboratory analysis says, fresh grape skin contains five to ten milligrams of resveratrol per 100 grams (about two thirds of a cup) of the fruit.

Resveratrol reduces fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth and eyes. It makes the skin taut and supple and promises to defy age. Also, it helps decrease the build up of plaque in the arteries, thereby, preventing atherosclerosis and heart disorders. Resveratrol also exercises strong anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects.

Nutritional Highlights of Grapes

Grapes have a wide range of nutritional qualities. What’s more, their nutritional quality can be enhanced by eating the seeds.

In addition to flavanoids and resveratrol, grapes supply adequate amounts of vitamin B6, thiamine, riboflavin, potassium and vitamin C.

Quick Serve Ideas for Grapes

Since grapes are among the top foods, on which pesticide residues are found, always opt for organically grown grapes. If unavailable, wash the fruits with an additive free soap, and rinse thoroughly in running water.

Select grapes that are plump, wrinkle-free and firmly attached to the stem. Grapes can be included in the daily diet:

- Grapes can be eaten whole (as a snack) or added to salads or had as juice. Frozen grapes make a wonderful snack that children enjoy. The fruit also enhances the flavor and visual appeal of a fruit salad or a green salad.

- Grapes added to curry recipes give them a fruity flavor.

- Stewed grapes taste great with poached chicken.

Grapes have been eaten since prehistoric times and were cultivated far back in 5000 B.C.E. Even today, researchers continue to explore and investigate the skin and the seeds of the grape for more health promoting compounds.

Reference:

Ann Nutr Metab, Effect of Concentrated Red Grape Juice Consumption on Serum Anti-oxidant Capacity and Low Density Lipoprotein Oxidation, Day, A. P., H. J. Kemp, C. Bolton C.