Grapes not only to eat! For its medicious properties, the grapes are also exploited in cosmetics and in the phytotherapy sector. So what are its characteristics and why is it so good?
Composed for the most part from water (about 80%), the grapes are very not very caloric: 100 grams of fresh grapes bring about 61 kcal. However, these are “rapid” calories, because the grapes are naturally rich in simple sugars, which is why its consumption must be moderate in case of diabetes or glycemic control problems.
Next to sugars, this fruit provides important minerals such as potassium, phosphorus and magnesium, as well as vitamins such as C, K and some of group B, all useful for the proper functioning of the body.
It is rich in mineral salts, especially of potassium, and vitamins such as C (6 mg %), B1, B2, pp and A. many sugars – diabetics should consume it really little – and few fats, which make up only 0.1 %.
Grapes for the skin
The grapes has a therapeutic action especially for the skin: being rich in alpha-hydroxy-acids, it improves its appearance making it younger and bright, also favoring the treatment of senile spots. In addition, it is also helpful to combat acne trend and oily skin.
Reduce the berries in puree and apply them on the face and neck! You will see an astringent and revitalizing action immediate. Do not forget the peel and seeds (vinaccioli), useful for the protection of the skin because they are very powerful anti-radical free. It can be used to replace moisturizing cream and can serve to combat acne and cellulite.
The scientific literature confirms that resveratrol, applied topically, can help protect the skin from the damage caused by UV rays and slow down the signs of skin aging
Curiosity. Considered surrogate of sweet almond oil, vinaccioli oil has anticoagulant and anti -inflammatory properties. Strengthens the immune system, increases “good” HDL cholesterol levels and reduces LDL cholesterol. It proves to be beneficial in preventing hypertension, obesity and heart attack, as well as regulating the level of triglycerides in the blood.
Read also: 15 precious vegetable oils for health and beauty
Uva for health
The grapes is indicated in case of anemia and fatigue, uricemia and gout, arthritis, varicose veins, hyperazotemia or skin diseases.
However, the real treasure of the grapes is not in the macronutrients, but in bioactive compounds. The berries, the peel and above all the seeds contain high quantities of polyphenols: resveratrol, catechins, oak and anthocyanins. These substances have a powerful antioxidant and anti -inflammatory action, capable of contrasting the damage caused by free radicals.
According to a scientific revision published in Molecules, the resveratrol present above all in the peel of the black grapes contributes to improving cardiovascular health, promoting the dilation of the blood vessels and reducing the accumulation of oxidized LDL cholesterol. Not surprisingly, several clinical studies have investigated the grape seed extract, highlighting a potential ability to lower blood pressure and improve the lipid profile.
Not only the beans, the peel and the vinaccioli, but also the vine leaves have numerous virtues. In fact, the anthocyanosides contained in them act as angioprotectors: they decrease the permeability of the capillaries and increase their resistance. Furthermore, the proofs are found in the leaves, capable of strengthening the angioprotective activity and promoting a pressure weakening.
The cure of the grapes
A separate discussion deserves ampeelotherapy, that is, the practice of consuming only grapes for a few days as a purifying treatment. This tradition, widespread in some areas of Europe, is based on the idea that the grapes favors the elimination of toxins and contrasts water retention. There are no quality scientific studies that attest to its real effectiveness. Indeed, such a restrictive diet can be risky for those suffering from diabetes, kidney problems or gastrointestinal disorders. More than a cure, it must be considered as a healthy fashion of the past, to be faced with caution and always with the supervision of a doctor.
Raisins: concentrated energy
Even dried grapes, better known as raisins or raisins, maintains most of the properties of the fresh fruit, albeit with some differences. Drying reduces the amount of water and concentrates sugars, making it much more caloric, but at the same time rich in fiber, iron, calcium and potassium. For this reason, the raisins is an energy and remineralizing food, especially useful for sportsmen or in periods of tiredness. In some popular traditions it is used in decoctions to relieve cough and sore throat, but these applications have no solid scientific confirmations: they are more than home remedies than real therapies.
How to prepare the grape decoction
Even the dried grapes, called the raisins or raisins, has significant properties, although it is particularly rich in sugars. It is rich in calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium and vitamin A.
Prepare a decoction leaving two teaspoons of raisins in hot water for a couple of minutes, against bronchitis and laryngitis.
The passes is used for the preparation of many desserts but also of numerous other dishes. Before use, the raisins must be softened in warm water or in liqueur wines, diluted liqueurs or milk.
Contraindications
Despite being an authentic concentrate of friendship friendship, excessive consumption of grapes is not indicated for those who suffer from diabetes, obesity, colitis or for too small children, both for the quantity of sugars and for cellulose contained in its peel, which should always be chewed very well to avoid gastro-intestinal problems.
The grapes, fresh or dried, represents a food with multiple virtues, confirmed in particular for antioxidant activity, support for cardiovascular health and the cosmetic role. However, we must not fall into the error to consider it a panacea: it does not take care of diseases alone and does not replace medical treatments. Consumed with balance, inserted in a varied and balanced diet, it remains one of the most precious gifts of nature, capable of combining taste, tradition and science.
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