Who does not like grapes - these juicy delicious berries, which you can feast on in autumn. And do you know that this is the only plant to which a whole science is devoted - ampelography, and with the help of this berry can many diseases be cured? Of course, the benefits of grapes are great, but it can cause harm in some cases. We'll talk about its benefits and contraindications in this article.
Grape composition
Healing properties of grapes are caused by the richest composition, due to which it can be called a real storehouse of useful substances.
The nutritional value of this berry is determined by the content of sugars - glucose, sucrose and fructose. In the process of digestion, these sugars immediately enter the blood, almost without undergoing changes, which is very important for health.
Grapes contain organic acids (malic, tartaric, citric, amber, etc.), which are known to be important for the process of digestion and assimilation of food.
It contains absolutely all the minerals and trace elements necessary for man - potassium, magnesium, manganese, cobalt, silicon, boron, etc. Also, in the grapes, there are a lot of vitamins: A, vitamins B, C, H, K, R.
Very useful plant substances are pectins, the most important amino acids (lysine, leucine, arginine, cystine, glycine, etc.), solid oils, tannins, lecithin, flobbaphenes, vanillin are all ingredients of grape berries and their seeds.
The healing properties of grapes
According to the curative effect, which renders grapes on the human body, this fruit plant has no equal.
We list only a few, the main useful properties of grapes and its beneficial effect on the body:
- the ability to strengthen the body's defenses;
- a decrease in the likelihood of cancer;
- strengthening the cardiovascular system, improving blood composition;
- lowering cholesterol;
- the ability to normalize blood pressure;
- normalization of digestion and metabolism;
- sedative effect on the nervous system;
- prevention of visual impairment in adulthood;
- prevention of kidney stones ;
- the ability to slow the aging process;
- expectorant properties;
- antiseptic properties, etc.
All these useful properties apply to both white (green) and red (black) grapes. However, it is believed that dark grape varieties are still more valuable and useful, as the concentration of antioxidants and biologically active substances in them is higher. In addition, red grapes have more pronounced antibacterial and antiviral effects.
How correctly to use grapes?
Grapes are a separate dish, and should not be consumed with other foods. The greatest benefit to the body it will bring, if you eat it in between basic meals (for an hour - one and a half before and after eating). In addition, both the berries themselves, and the juice, wine and other products from them should be consumed in moderation.
To preserve the enamel of teeth from the effects of acids and sugars, it is recommended to brush your teeth after eating grapes.
Contraindications to the use of grapes
As already noted, despite the benefits of grapes, he also has contraindications. The use of this berry can have harmful effects in the following
- with diabetes mellitus;
- with ulcer of the stomach and duodenum,
- at an intestine disorder (due to a laxative effect);
- for violations of potassium metabolism;
- with renal insufficiency ;
- during pregnancy and during lactation (negatively affects the production of milk);
- with obesity;
- with an acute form of tuberculosis.