This superfruit can boost your heart and brain health
A nutritionist explained the health benefits of grapes (photo: Freepik)
Grapes are one of the tastiest and healthiest seasonal fruits. They not only delight with their sweet flavor but also strengthen the heart and blood vessels. Right now, at the peak of the season, it’s worth adding them to your daily diet, Real Simple reports.
Why grapes are healthy
Grapes contain a high level of phytonutrients, particularly polyphenols. This is a large group of compounds known for their antioxidant properties.
According to dietitian Avery Zenker, grapes contain phenolic acids, anthocyanins, flavonoids, and stilbenes. Many of the health benefits of grapes come from the effects of these compounds, especially their anti-inflammatory properties.
When polyphenols enter the body, they help neutralize free radicals — molecules that increase oxidative stress. Over time, this can support cardiovascular, brain, immune, and metabolic health.
Red, blue, or green: what’s the difference?
Most polyphenols and antioxidants in blue and red grapes are found in the skin. Blue grapes contain more anthocyanins than red ones, and much more than green varieties.
Blue grapes also have a significantly higher overall antioxidant capacity. Anthocyanins are what give purple grapes their rich color.
Red grapes contain a moderate amount of anthocyanins, which gives them a pink or reddish hue.
Green grapes, meanwhile, contain more vitamin C but fewer polyphenols.
How much to eat per day
For a healthy adult: 150–200 g of grapes per day. For children: about 50–100 g per day, depending on age.
This amount provides a balance of vitamins, antioxidants, and micronutrients without overwhelming the body with sugar (grapes are naturally sweet, containing around 15–20% sugar).
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
