Health & Life

Remove the peels and seeds from grapes is wasteful because they contain more nutrients than the pulp, change how we consume grapes immediately

Grapes are a beloved fruit, but most of us are wasting the best nutrients from this type of fruit in the way we eat them.

Administrator

8 December, 2023

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Grapes are vitamin-rich fruits with antioxidant properties. However, we usually discard the skin and seeds when eating grapes. Experts affirm that the best nutritional components are mostly found in the grape seeds and skin.

Grapes and grape seeds – more valuable than grape flesh

Grapes are considered valuable fruits because they contain a high amount of antioxidants and natural plant components called Oligomeric Proanthocyanidin Complexes (OPCs). OPCs help eliminate free radicals from the body, prevent premature aging and may support chronic cardiovascular diseases. OPCs in grapes are diverse and beneficial for all body parts.

Furthermore, grapes are rich in Resveratrol, which has the effect of preventing cardiovascular diseases, inhibiting the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, reducing bad cholesterol levels, and increasing good cholesterol levels.

The essential nutrients are mainly concentrated in the grape skin, seeds, and vine. Grape skin has a much higher resveratrol content compared to the grape flesh. Grape seeds are even richer in this component. In particular, grape seeds are rich in proanthocyanidins, which have excellent antioxidant properties.

Grape seed extract is sold at a high price on the market and has become a precious ingredient in the functional food and cosmetics industry. This is because grape seed extract helps reduce stress, inflammation, and tissue damage, commonly associated with chronic conditions. Grape seed extract has been used to lower blood cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure, and support the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Moreover, grape seed extract-rich OPCs also help prevent cancer. In some studies, grape seed extract can prevent the growth of breast, lung, prostate, and colon cancer cells. Additionally, grape seeds contain flavonoids, linoleic acid, and procyanidin phenolics, which protect blood vessels from damage, thus preventing high blood pressure, chronic venous insufficiency, and improving cognitive impairment.

The antioxidant compounds in grape seeds have a stronger effect compared to vitamin C. Additionally, grape seeds are rich in vitamin E, which greatly supports immune system enhancement.

Specific benefits of grape seeds

– Grape seeds prevent high blood pressure: Grape seeds are rich in flavonoids, linoleic acid, and procyanidin phenolics, which protect blood vessels from damage, thus preventing high blood pressure.

– Grape seeds help prevent chronic venous insufficiency: OPCs in grape seeds reduce the symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency, helping alleviate feelings of heaviness, pain, and itching in patients.

– Grape seeds support bone health: Grape seeds have positive effects on bone health, helping enhance joint health.

– Grape seeds help reduce swelling: Grape seed extract helps reduce swelling in the hands and feet.

– Grape seeds strengthen dental health: In a laboratory study, grape seed extract promotes tooth remineralization, helping to repair cavities.

Therefore, when eating grapes, you should eat both the skin and seeds. Remember to wash grapes thoroughly before consumption. Grape seeds have a slightly bitter and astringent taste, which may make you reluctant to chew them. In that case, you can completely keep the dried seeds and grind them to make tea later on.