10 Amazing Health Benefits of Grapes You Didn't Know About

 An apple a day will keep the doctor away, but what about a grape? Grapes may not be the first fruit that comes to mind when you think of health benefits, but they’re actually full of antioxidants and other nutrients that are great for your health. Check out this list of 10 amazing health benefits of grapes you didn’t know about and share it with your friends and family! After reading these benefits, you will never ignore the health benefits of grapes.

1) Stabilize Blood Sugar

Studies have shown that grape juice can help stabilize blood sugar levels, potentially improving insulin sensitivity and reducing overall diabetes risk. Keep your blood sugar in check with a glass of red wine (red grapes are particularly high in resveratrol) or 1⁄2 cup to 1 cup of unsweetened grape juice daily.

 

2) Prevent Blood Clots

The resveratrol in grapes has been shown to inhibit platelet aggregation, reducing your risk for developing blood clots. A study published in 2006 found that resveratrol significantly reduced platelet aggregation and bleeding time. Red wine is best, but you’ll get plenty of health benefits by drinking any type of grape juice or eating grapes themselves.

 

3) Decrease Cancer Risk

Eating grapes might help lower your risk for certain types of cancer, according to research. Scientists who looked at a group of women found that those who ate two or more servings of grapes each week had a lower risk for developing breast cancer than women who didn’t eat grapes as often. That’s especially good news given that breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in American women, and it’s estimated that 42 percent will develop some form of breast cancer during their lifetime. Other recent research from Spain suggests that eating lots of grapes might also help reduce a person's risk for colon and ovarian cancers.

 

4) Help Digestion

The next time you experience heartburn, or indigestion, try eating some grapes. Not only are they a natural antacid, but grapes also help lower cholesterol and contain polyphenols (plant chemicals) that help reduce inflammation and lower your risk for heart disease. Plus, researchers at Cornell University found that people who ate grapes three times a week were up to 40 percent less likely to suffer from depression. And studies show red wine in moderation can benefit your health in more ways than one—red wine contains resveratrol (an antioxidant), which has been linked to longer life spans and reduced risks for certain cancers. If you want to eat more grapes every day but hate dealing with seeds?

 

5) Keep Blood Pressure in Check

One study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that eating an apple every day can reduce blood pressure. Even better: Apples are low in calories and high in fiber, so they’re a great way to help keep your weight down, too. Women’s Health reports that one study showed women who ate apples three times a week lost about 3 pounds more than those who didn’t eat apples regularly. (If you're curious about other ways to lower your blood pressure naturally, here are 8 Ways to Lower Your Blood Pressure Naturally.)

 

6) Keep Cholesterol Levels Low

Grapes are a great source of soluble fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels. In fact, eating grapes regularly can help reduce LDL (or bad) cholesterol by as much as 10 percent. One study even showed that eating two servings a day of grapes decreased bad cholesterol by 15 percent! Also keep in mind that red grapes have more antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits than green or white ones. But all grapes have some excellent benefits for your health and well-being.

 

7) Increase Antioxidants

Rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C, grapes are great for warding off illness. They’re also thought to help with weight loss, lower cholesterol and improve memory. Add grapes to your favorite smoothie, enjoy a glass as an afternoon snack or just eat them out of hand as a delicious dessert! Keep reading to find out about ten other amazing health benefits of grapes.

 

8) Improve Heart Health

The very first benefit of grapes that we’ll discuss here is that they can improve heart health. According to one study, epicatechin content may account for up to 14% and 13% reductions in LDL cholesterol level and coronary artery disease risk, respectively. Another study found that people who consumed a cup of black tea daily experienced an 8 percent increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels, while those who consumed red wine every day saw their HDL levels rise by 9 percent. As you may already know, HDL cholesterol plays a key role in preventing cardiovascular disease. The antioxidants contained within grapes are also effective against other types of heart disease such as arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis.

 

9) Prevent Osteoporosis and Arthritis

Grapes are rich in polyphenols, a type of antioxidant that protects against free radical damage and reduces inflammation. A 2010 study found that grapes may help prevent osteoporosis and arthritis by reducing oxidative stress in our joints and protecting cartilage.

 

10) Lower Blood Pressure Naturally

According to a study published in The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, eating grapes regularly is linked to lower blood pressure levels. This likely has something to do with their high potassium content. Potassium helps regulate fluid balance in your body and is one of important nutrients for fighting hypertension (high blood pressure). Other benefits include lowering your risk for heart disease, fighting inflammation, and reducing risks for Type 2 diabetes. Just be sure to opt for organic since conventionally grown grapes are at a higher risk for containing pesticides.