The Several Health Benefits of Eating Grapes

Recent studies have shown that grapes possess numerous health benefits and effectiveness for weight loss.

Grapes have always been a popular fruit—they are sweet, delicious, and easy to eat on-the-go. Recent studies have shown that grapes possess numerous health benefits and effectiveness for weight loss.

Grapes and Weight Loss

Grapes contain many antioxidants but one of the most beneficial is resveratrol.

In a preliminary study that was published by the International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, subjects who took a resveratrol supplement saw a significant boost in their energy expenditure. This allowed them to burn more calories throughout the day.

Resveratrol can also help counter the effects of insulin resistance—a precursor to diabetes. When one’s body cannot respond properly to insulin, they are more likely to experience blood sugar spikes and crashes. This makes one hungry and more prone to mood swings.

Another weight loss benefit of grapes is the loaded fiber content. One cup of grapes packs 1.4 grams of dietary fiber which helps feel full sooner.

Recent studies have shown that grape polyphenols help counter the negative effects of a high-fat diet. The study shows that grapes can help cut both surface layer and subcutaneous fat even in a diet that is rich in saturated fats like shortening and lard.

Grapes are low in calories. One cup of red grapes contains 64 calories and one cup of green grapes contain 100 calories. If we are to look at a 2,000 calorie diet as a marker, one cup of grapes would only account for about 5% of the daily caloric intake.

Red Grapes vs. Green Grapes

While both grapes contain plenty of nutrients, the higher flavonoid content in red grapes makes them the healthier option. A cup of red slip-skin grapes, such as Concord, also only contain about 64 calories, significantly less than the 100 calories in a cup of green grapes.

The benefits of red grapes over green grapes extends to wine as well—red wine is much healthier for your heart than white.

Grape Juice—The Exception

Grape juice is the exception to these benefits. It’s an easy mistake to make. People see the word “grape” and assume it’s healthy.  Even brands that claim to be 100% juice can have as much sugar, if not more, than a can of soda. This naturally counteracts many of the insulin regulating and fat-burning properties.

While fruit juices are tasty, and fine in moderation, if you’re looking for the health and weight loss benefits of grapes, it’s best to stick to fresh fruit.

Other health benefits

Manganese helps with bone density by strengthening bones and their connective tissues. One cup of grapes provide 33% of what is recommend for the daily intake of manganese.

Grapes also contain phytonutrients called catechins that may help protect against both breast and colorectal cancers.

With health benefits that can help protect one against everything from constipation to cancer, the next time you go shopping, make sure you buy and eat grapes!