Vitis vinifera

General information:

Grapes are commonly eaten as a fruit all over the world. Cultivated since 5,000 BC, the Greeks and Romans have used grapes for making wine. Grapes also have a host of medicinal properties. They contain flavonoids, which are very powerful antioxidants. Grapes are a good source of bioflavonoids (vitamin P), which are known to be useful in such conditions such as purpura, capillary bleeding in diabetes, edema and inflammation from injury, radiation damage, and atherosclerosis. Grapes are considered laxative, stomachic, diuretic, demulcent and cooling and are used as an astringent in throat infections.

Constituents:

Grapes are a very good source of manganese. They also contain vitamin B6, thiamine, riboflavin, potassium, and vitamin C. Resveratrol is classified as a polyphenol, a chemical substance found in plants that may have antioxidant properties. Several studies have demonstrated that resveratrol is an effective antioxidant, offering more protection than other antioxidants such as vitamins C and E (Source: http://www.elements4health.com/grapes.html). The catechins and anthocyanogenic tannins present in Grapes possess bioflavonoid properties.

Benefits:

• The antioxidants present in Grapes reduce the damage caused by free radicals and slacken the ageing process.
• Grape juice can be used to treat migraines.
• Grapes increase the nitric oxide levels in the blood, which prevents blood clots, thereby reducing the chances of heart attacks. In addition, the antioxidants present in Grapes prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, which blocks blood vessels (Source: www.organicfacts.net).
• Grapes can be used to treat asthma.
• The fruit is also beneficial in treating stomach disorders like constipation and indigestion.