20 BENEFITS OF GRAPES FOR SKIN, HAIR AND HEALTH IN GENERAL
The benefits of grapes and its use in skin and hair care at home. Tips & Recipes
Verified by Dietitian Registered Dietitian and Certified MS, RDN, CPT - Alexandra Dusenberry
INNA CODRU , NOVEMBER 23, 2018
Who doesn't love to sit in front of the TV and enjoy delicious grapes? Well, of course! Grapes are not only amazing in their taste, but also extremely nutritious. It is a mood enhancing product and is great for improving health. From diabetes to cancer, grapes can be used as an effective medicine - and that, again, without any side effects!
Not so long ago we wrote about the AMAZING USEFUL PROPERTIES OF WINE . Now it's time to talk about grapes. Want to learn more about grapes and the health and beauty benefits they offer? Just read it, I'm sure you'll be surprised by many of the facts we've listed.
GRAPES - QUICK REFERENCE
Scientific name - Vitis vinifera
Family - Vitaceae
Grapes are known as the "Queen of Fruits" and are divided into three groups according to color - red (pink) grapes, white (green) and black (blue). This wonderful and fragrant fruit not only adds to the pleasant sensations and increases appetite, but is also very useful. Grapes contain immune-boosting vitamin C, simple sugars that provide instant energy, and antioxidants that are anti-inflammatory. Just wow!
USEFUL PROPERTIES OF GRAPES
Useful properties of grapes for SKIN
Grapes are an elixir for our skin. Regular consumption and use of grapes can give us smooth and supple skin.
1. Grapes as sunburn protection
Sometimes the sun is so strong that we end up tanning even if we use sunscreen. And sometimes, we can forget to use it and then sunburn is inevitable. Grapes, as surprising as it may seem, are an excellent home remedy for sunburn.
What you will need:
- Puree of several grape berries (with pits)
What should be done:
- Apply mashed grapes, gently and generously, to the affected area.
- Leave it all on for 20 minutes, then rinse with clean, cool water.
Why will it work?
The soft part of grapes, as well as grape seed extract, contain proanthocyanidins and resveratrol, which are powerful antioxidants ( 1 ), ( 2 ). Applying grape seed extract to the skin provides protection from harmful UV radiation ( 3 ). It acts as a sunscreen, reducing the redness caused by sunburn and also minimizes the damage done to skin cells.
2. Skin rejuvenation with grapes
Grapes also help in toning the skin and reversing the aging process. Instead of opting for chemically manufactured products, try using grapes. This is an excellent anti-aging remedy.
What you will need:
- Grape pulp, seedless
What should be done:
- Rub the pulp into the skin of the face in a circular motion.
- Wash your face with cold water after 20 minutes.
Why will it work?
Free radicals are the main cause of premature aging. Which is characterized by the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the skin of the face ( 4 ). The antioxidants present in grapes protect the skin from the damaging effects of free radicals and reverse the appearance of wrinkles and age spots ( 5 ). Grapes contain vitamin C, which is essential for the formation of collagen, a fiber-like protein that helps maintain skin elasticity and delays the aging process ( 6 ).
3. Grapes make skin firm
To make our skin supple and smooth, we resort to such means as using children's products or trying to purchase high-quality, expensive imported cosmetics. But did you know that grapes are a great exfoliator that can leave your skin super soft? And you will no longer have to spend on expensive imported products if you include grapes in your skin care regimen.
What you will need:
- Grind grape seeds.
What should be done:
- Use crushed grape seeds to gently cleanse your face.
- Wash your face with cold water.
Why will it work?
Grape seeds are rich in vitamin E, which keeps skin cells hydrated ( 7 ). Crushed grape seeds also act as an exfoliant. Cleansing the skin with this remedy will remove the top layer of dead cells, which will allow healthy, young cells to give the skin a fresher and smoother appearance.
4. Combats uneven skin tone
Many of us have experienced uneven tanning, this is when the face looks slightly patchy😊. But, fortunately, green grapes are very effective in solving the problem of uneven skin tone.
What you will need:
- Fresh grape juice or pulp from green grapes.
What should be done:
- Apply freshly squeezed grape juice or grape pulp to your skin.
- Let it dry. Rinse everything off with cool water.
Why will it work?
Grape pulp has been found to improve skin color due to the presence of polyphenols ( 8 ). So, feel free to use grape juice to even out your skin tone.
5. Smoothens acne scars
Adolescence is a stage in which many face the problem of acne and blackheads. However, with age, they seem to gradually disappear. But the scars never go away! But don't worry, grapes can help you lighten acne scars.
What you will need:
- Green grapes
- 1 tablespoon of alum
- 1 tablespoon salt
What should be done:
- Mix all the ingredients and wrap them in foil. Then bake the contents in the oven at 180 degrees for 15 minutes.
- Apply the resulting grape juice on your face.
- Leave it on for 15 minutes and then wash off with warm water.
Why will it work?
The vitamin C in grapes helps repair skin ( 9 ). With regular use, you will see that the scars have completely disappeared.
Useful properties of grapes for HAIR
We already know that green (white) grapes are great for treating skin problems. But did you know that black grapes can be amazing for your hair? Black grapes can make your hair shiny, bouncy and strong. Let's see how.
6. Grapes help against hair loss
The sight of a tuft of hair on your comb can seriously upset or even scare us. Especially if you have a nervous and stressful job, when hair loss becomes as common as rain. To stop this trouble, use grapes. It is extremely useful in the fight against hair loss.
What you will need:
- Grape puree (pitted)
What should be done:
- Apply grape puree to your hair.
- Leave it on for 10-15 minutes, then wash your hair.
Why will it work?
Linoleic acid present in grapes and grape seed oil strengthens follicles and makes hair strong and healthy.
7. Grapes add shine and bring dead hair back to life.
Is constant exposure to the sun leaving your hair dry and brittle as well? Is your natural dark hair losing its color? If yes, then it's time to start using grape juice on your hair.
What you will need:
- Skin of 12-14 black grapes.
- 2 tablespoons of chickpea flour.
- 2 tbsp fenugreek powder.
What should be done:
- Chop the black grapes and set them aside for now.
- Mix chickpea flour and fenugreek powder
- Mix all the ingredients into a soft paste and apply to your hair as a hair mask. You can cover your head with a shower cap
- Wash off the mixture after 15 minutes for beautiful, shiny and naturally dark hair.
8. Provides volume to hair
Grape seeds are known to improve hair volume. So, why don't you try this easy solution, if only out of curiosity, and get thick, gorgeous curls?
What you will need:
- 50 g grape seeds.
- 50 g fenugreek seeds.
- 1 tsp black pepper (peas).
What should be done:
- Take fenugreek, grape seed and pepper and grind them until they are in powder form.
- Add this powder to warm oil and massage it on the scalp for 10 minutes.
- Wash your head.
- Do this twice a week for best results.
9. Fights dandruff
Black grapes can prevent itchy skin and annoying dandruff. For instant relief from dry scalp, crush black grapes and apply this pulp to your hair. Wash it off after 15 minutes. The results will pleasantly surprise you.
Why will it work?
Black grapes are loaded with vitamin E and antioxidants, making them a successful treatment for problematic hair. It also improves blood circulation in the scalp, keeping the skin and hair healthy.
Grape Benefits for General HEALTH
Whether white grapes, pink or black, all types of this amazing fruit are good for our health. Let's see what grapes are capable of.
10. Relieves migraines
Ripe grape juice is an ancient home remedy for migraines. So, next time you're having a migraine attack, drink a glass of fresh grape juice. This will save you from excruciating pain. Juice early in the morning, without adding water or any sweetener, will give the best results.
Why will it work?
Studies show that the antioxidants present in grapes, such as riboflavin, help treat migraine attacks (10).
11. Helps Treat Alzheimer's Disease
Grapes are also beneficial for improving brain health and delaying the onset of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. Thus, regular consumption of grapes may protect you from brain dysfunction.
Why will it work?
The polyphenols present in grapes have been found to reduce cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's disease in mice, which can be replicated in humans (11).
12. Grapes Prevent Indigestion
Indigestion and burning in the stomach can be cured by drinking a glass of grape juice. It can also prevent dyspepsia ( 12).
Why will it work?
Grapes reduce the temperature of the stomach, which helps in the treatment of indigestion.
13. Fights breast cancer
A recent study states that purple grape juice helps prevent breast cancer. So, if you want to protect yourself from this deadly disease, make sure you have a glass of this delicious juice (preferably unsweetened) every day.
Why will it work?
Grapes have anti-mutagenic and antioxidant properties that are very effective in fighting all types of cancer and are proving to be very effective against breast cancer (13).
14. Supports eye health
They say that the eyes are the mirror of our soul. Therefore, we should take good care of them, right? Start eating grapes to protect this important sensory organ.
Why will it work?
Grapes are rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, which are responsible for maintaining good eye health, especially after forty (14).
15. Helps with Diabetes
Do you love sugar but fear the dangers (read diabetes) associated with it? Grapes can be a great option. It is sweet and extremely beneficial for the prevention of diabetes. Just be careful with dosages, try not to exceed ½ serving (12 to 15 grapes) a day.
Why will it work?
Pterostilbene is a compound present in grapes that helps lower blood sugar, hence preventing diabetes (15).
16. Reduces blood cholesterol levels
Regular consumption of grapes can help regulate blood cholesterol levels. So, instead of relying on advertisements to choose foods that the manufacturer claims to control cholesterol levels, try including grapes in your diet.
Why will it work?
The polyphenols found in grape juice, such as Concorde grape juice, help lower bad cholesterol or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels (16).
17. Helps in the work of the kidneys
Grapes also help reduce the likelihood of various kidney diseases, including stones and other problems associated with this organ.
Why will it work?
Grapes help reduce the acidity of uric acid. They also eliminate acid from the entire body, resulting in reduced pressure on the kidneys ( 17).
18. Helps With Asthma Symptoms
Spring and autumn are the most difficult times of the year for asthma patients due to strong winds and various allergens. It is believed that grapes have a high therapeutic ability in the fight against asthma. Try it this season and see the difference for yourself.
Why will it work?
Grapes have a high assimilative capacity which helps to raise the level of moisture in the lungs and soothe spasms (18).
19. Helps fight polio and herpes
Grapes are also known to improve the chances of a speedy recovery from viral infections such as polio and herpes. Children who consume grapes regularly are less likely to be stricken with polio.
Why will it work?
Red grapes have antiviral properties that protect you from various infections such as the poliovirus and herpes simplex virus (19).
20. Fights constipation
Feeling slightly uncomfortable with a little blockage (constipation) from that delicious chicken last night? Try eating a fruit salad and adding grapes to it for a quick fix. Grapes are very effective in treating constipation.
Why will it work?
Grapes are considered a laxative because they are rich in sugar, organic acid and fiber. It relieves chronic constipation by toning the stomach ( 20).
TIPS FOR SELECTION AND STORAGE
How to choose good grapes
The quality of the product, in our case, is key if you want to get the most out of it, of course. For grapes, always choose fruit that is flawless, evenly colored and firmly attached to the stem. The best way to make sure you are buying fresh grapes is to take a bunch of grapes by the stem and shake them. If the grapes fall off the stem, it means that the grapes have been stored for a long time and should not be eaten. Grapes hold well on the stem if the branch is green.
Some varieties of green (or white) grapes are the most attractive in appearance, but only if they are yellowish with a hint of amber, and red grapes should be deep in color without green areas. Some grape varieties, such as "Moldova" "Hamburg Muscat", have a white coating on the surface of the berries. This coating, a biological feature of these varieties, is a harmless, natural substance that provides protection against moisture loss, fungus and decay.
Avoid grapes with soft or shriveled skin or stems that have turned brown or brittle. This could be a sign of freezing or drying. Grapes with white areas around the stem or leaky berries should also be avoided as these indicate poor quality or rot.
How to store grapes
Proper storage of grapes is also a prerequisite for preserving fresh fruit and preventing rotting or fermentation. Raw grapes should be stored in a plastic bag or airtight container and kept in the coolest part of the refrigerator. Grapes can be stored for a week, but their quality will decrease over time.
How to eat grapes
Grapes, like some other fruits, can be consumed either fresh or frozen. Grapes should be taken out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before eating to bring them to the optimum temperature of around 16ºC. Here are some tips for serving fresh grapes:
- Serving chilled grapes on a platter with several varieties of cheese is an easy alternative to the fancy dessert.
- Place some red grapes in half a green melon and fill it with yogurt. Pairing this with toasted muffins will make your breakfast delicious and nutritious.
- Besides appetizers, grapes can also be part of your meals. Try adding chilled grapes to pasta, chicken, sweet potatoes, or fish, which can be served alongside crispy bread or buns.
- Grapes, along with cheese, chopped sweet onions and fresh thyme, can be used as a filling for puff pastry and ready to bake.
- You can toss a few frozen grapes into champagne and other fizzy drinks.
- Grapes can also be added to ice cream, soft drinks, smoothies and sorbets.
In addition to being eaten raw or used as a side dish, grapes can also be cooked in a variety of ways. Grapes contain natural sugars and can add their sweet and sour flavor to any dish. Several ways to use grapes in recipes:
- Like many other berries, grapes can be used effectively in baked dishes such as pies, cakes, bread, and pizza.
- They can be added to a blender when preparing shakes, smoothies and other delicious drinks.
- Grapes can be flavored with dark or milk chocolate to make a delicious dessert.
- It can be grilled or smoked and will be used either as a garnish or as a dip.
- Grapes are also added to pickles.
- Sugar-coated grapes make a delicious cake or dessert.
- Grapes make excellent dressings for salads of all types, giving them a juicy, sweet and tart taste. They are best in salads, where citrus juices and balsamic vinegar, red or white wine, rice cider or apple cider can also be used.
- Grapes can effectively replace tomatoes in salsa, kebabs, sauces, etc. Can be grilled with meat, fish or shrimp.
Grapes are an extremely versatile and nutritious fruit that can satisfy your taste buds in a variety of ways. The amount of nutrients and antioxidants found in abundance in these tiny fruits is phenomenal. Therefore, we see that grapes do indeed play a vital role in maintaining our health.
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