From lowering cholesterol to reducing risk of Alzheimer’s disease, grapes offer a surprising array of powerful health benefits.  Grapes are rich source of micronutrient minerals like copper, iron and manganese. They are an also good source of vitamin-C, vitamin A, vitamin K, carotenes, and B-complex vitamins such as pyridoxine, riboflavin, potassium and thiamin.  Just one cup of grapes provides 20% of your daily intake of vitamin K, 15-20% of vitamin C, and 2-10% of iron, magnesium, potassium and B vitamins!  Here are 10 powerful reasons to include grapes in your healthy diet:

1. Natural source of iron.  Iron is a mineral your body needs to transport oxygen and carbon dioxide and to regulate cell growth, and anemia (iron deficiency in the blood) can be a result of insufficient dietary iron.  Many diseases such as cancer, kidney problems, or heart problems can also cause anemia.  Grapes are a modest source of iron, and the vitamin C in grapes improves iron absorption.
2. Prevent dyspepsia.  Among herbalists, grapes are a popular natural remedy to combat dyspepsia (indigestion).  Approximately 15-20 grapes, or a glass of grape juice, are the suggested amount to soothe irritation of the stomach lining.
3. Home remedy for migraine.  Vitamin B2, or riboflavin, has been found to be effective in treating migraine headaches.  Grapes are high in vitamins C and A as well as B2 and other antioxidants, making fresh grape juice a natural tool that may help relieve migraines.
4. Reduce risk of heart attack.  A recent study conducted at the University of Michigan Health System demonstrated that grapes reduce heart failure associated with chronic high blood pressure, and antioxidants and polyphenols are believed to be the cause.  Grapes are rich in the phytochemical compound resveratrol, one of the most powerful antioxidants.  Resveratrol has been shown to help protect against colon and prostate cancers, coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, degenerative nerve disease and viral/ fungal infections.  Resveratrol reduces your risk of blood vessel damage by decreasing angiotensin (a hormone that causes your blood vessels to constrict and elevates blood pressure) and increasing nitric oxide (a compound that causes your blood vessels to relax.)
5. Reduce asthma inflammation.  Researchers have also found that grapes posesses anti-inflammatory qualities, helping to reduce the inflammation in the lungs that causes asthma and COPD. High levels of fiber and resveratrol in red grape skins work to reduce inflammation in the lungs and removes mucus and phlegm from airways.
6. Reduce the acidity of uric acid.  Grapes, along with other fruits rich in potassium, are a popular natural remedy for reducing the acidity of uric acid in the bloodstream. Herbalists find that adding grapes to your diet can reduce rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and help prevent gout.
7. Antibacterial and antiviral.  Catechins and Anthocyanins are two classes of antioxidants that are found in red grapes in abundance. These phytochemicals have demonstrated anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties
8. Anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer.  Along with their antiviral properties, Catechins and Anthocyanins have also demonstrated anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory activity.  Grapes are rich in resveratrol, catechins and flavonoids, which also demonstrate anti-cancer activity and have been shown to help protect against colon and prostate cancers.
9. Reduce risk of Alzheimer’s disease.  Studies have shown that the polyphenols in grapes prevent the generation of amyloid plaques in the brain, a substance found in high deposits in the brains of those afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease.  The flavonoids in grapes have also been shown to improve cognitive function and reduce memory loss.
10. Help lower cholesterol.  Along with the cardiovascular benefits of resveratrol, grapes also contain a compound called pterostilbene that has shown to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides.  In one study, researchers found that pterostilbene reduced cholesterol as effectively as a prescription drug.

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