Grapes
Grapes
Grapes also known as Draksha in Ayurveda, is a famous fruit that offers a variety of health and medicinal benefits. It can be consumed as a fresh fruit, dried and in juice form.
Grapes and Grape seeds are packed with nutrients such as vitamin C and E, that have strong antioxidant activity making it beneficial in revitalizing the skin. Regular application of Grapes in the form of a face pack protects skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation as well as the damage caused due to free radicals thereby reducing wrinkles and dark spots. Daily intake of Grape juice has the ability to fight certain diseases as it helps enhance the immune system.
Excessive intake of Grapes or Grape juice may cause hyperacidity due to its high acidic nature. It sometimes may also result in abdominal discomfort which may lead to diarrhea[1].
Grapes and Grape seeds are packed with nutrients such as vitamin C and E, that have strong antioxidant activity making it beneficial in revitalizing the skin. Regular application of Grapes in the form of a face pack protects skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation as well as the damage caused due to free radicals thereby reducing wrinkles and dark spots. Daily intake of Grape juice has the ability to fight certain diseases as it helps enhance the immune system.
Excessive intake of Grapes or Grape juice may cause hyperacidity due to its high acidic nature. It sometimes may also result in abdominal discomfort which may lead to diarrhea[1].
What are the synonyms of Grapes?
Vitis vinifera, Zabeeb, Maneka, Dried Grapes, Raisins, Darakh, Drakh, Munakka, Dakh, Kishmish, Angur, Draksh, Angoore Khushk, Mavaiz, Draksha, Munaqqa, Angoor
What is the source of Grapes?
Plant Based
Benefits of Grapes
Ayurvedic View
Constipation is caused due to an aggravated Vata Dosha. This can be due to the frequent consumption of junk food, excess intake of coffee or tea, sleeping late at night, stress and depression. All these factors aggravate Vata in the large intestine and cause constipation. Grapes help to control constipation because of its Vata balancing and Sara (mobility) properties. It increases smoothness in the intestine and helps in easy expulsion of stool.
Tips:
1. Take 1/2-1 cup of Grapes or as per your requirement.
2. Have it preferably during breakfast or 2-3 hours after meals.
Tips:
1. Take 1/2-1 cup of Grapes or as per your requirement.
2. Have it preferably during breakfast or 2-3 hours after meals.
Ayurvedic View
Hemorrhoids are known as Arsh in Ayurveda which is caused by an unhealthy diet and a sedentary lifestyle. This leads to the impairment of all the three doshas, and mainly Vata dosha. An aggravated Vata causes a low digestive fire, leading to persistent constipation. This causes swelling of the veins in the rectum area that leads to hemorrhoids. Grapes help to correct constipation which is the prime cause of hemorrhoids. This is due to its Vata balancing and Sara (mobility) properties.
Tips:
1. Take 1/2-1 cup of Grapes or as per your requirement.
2. Have it preferably during breakfast or 2-3 hours after meals.
Tips:
1. Take 1/2-1 cup of Grapes or as per your requirement.
2. Have it preferably during breakfast or 2-3 hours after meals.
Modern Science View
Grape seed tannins might be beneficial in managing high cholesterol. Grape seed reduces the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine and increases bile excretion[1][2].
Modern Science View
Grapes might be beneficial in the management of coronary heart disease. Grapes prevent the damage of coronary endothelial cells. This is due to its potent antioxidant activity. It also increases the level of nitric oxide and helps in relaxation of blood vessels. This helps control high blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart diseases[1][2].
Ayurvedic View
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) refers to a cycle of physical, emotional and behavioral symptoms. According to Ayurveda, an impaired Vata and Pitta circulate in different channels of the body, causing various physical symptoms of PMS. Taking Grapes helps to reduce the symptoms of PMS. This is because of the Vata and Pitta balancing properties of Grapes.
Tips:
1. Take 1/2-1 cup of Grapes or as per your requirement.
2. Have it preferably during breakfast or 2-3 hours after meals.
Tips:
1. Take 1/2-1 cup of Grapes or as per your requirement.
2. Have it preferably during breakfast or 2-3 hours after meals.
Ayurvedic View
Menorrhagia or heavy menstrual bleeding is known as Raktapradar or excessive secretion of menstrual blood. This is due to an aggravated Pitta dosha. Grapes balances an aggravated Pitta and controls heavy menstrual bleeding or menorrhagia. This is due to its Sita (cold) properties.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 glasses of Grape juice or as per your requirement.
2. Drink it preferably in the breakfast or in the afternoon.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 glasses of Grape juice or as per your requirement.
2. Drink it preferably in the breakfast or in the afternoon.
Modern Science View
Grapes might be beneficial in managing liver damage. Grape seed extract has good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Grape seed extract protects the liver from the damage caused by free radicals[1][2][5].
Ayurvedic View
Grapes might be beneficial in the management of age-related mental decline. Aging is associated with the increase in the number of free radicals and leads to the degeneration of neurons. Flavonoids in Grapes improve the brain function. Grapes have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the damage caused by free radicals. Grape juice is also known to improve the memory function in old people showing symptoms of memory decline[2][5].
Modern Science View
Grapes might be beneficial in managing metabolic syndrome. Polyphenols in Grapes have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. It is also known to reduce obesity and type 2 diabetes associated with metabolic syndrome. Grape powder increases glucose tolerance and reduces inflammation markers present in the fat cells[2][5].
How effective is Grapes?
Likely ineffective
Hay fever, Nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy, Obesity
Insufficient evidence
Age related memory loss, Athletic performance, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Constipation, Diarrhea, Fatigue, Heart disease, Heavy menstrual bleeding, High cholesterol, Hypertension (high blood pressure), Liver disease, Menopausal symptoms, Metabolic syndrome, Mouth ulcers, Muscle pain, Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, Piles, Premenstrual syndrome, Varicose veins, Wound infection
Precautions when using Grapes
Advice from Experts
Modern Science View
Grapes may interfere with anticoagulant drugs. So it generally advised to consult your doctor while taking Grapes with anticoagulant drugs[2].
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
It is safe to take Grapes in food amounts. However, it is advisable to consult your doctor before taking Grape supplements during breastfeeding[2].
Moderate Medicine Interaction
Important
Modern Science View
1. Grapes may interact with liver metabolism. So it is generally advised to consult your doctor while taking medicines that are metabolised by the liver[2].
2. Grapes may interact with analgesic and antipyretic drugs. It is generally advised to consult your doctor while taking Grapes with analgesic and antipyretic drugs[2].
2. Grapes may interact with analgesic and antipyretic drugs. It is generally advised to consult your doctor while taking Grapes with analgesic and antipyretic drugs[2].
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
It is safe to take Grapes in food amounts. However, it is advisable to consult your doctor before taking Grape supplements during pregnancy[2].
Side Effects
Important
Modern Science View
1. Stomach upset
2. Indigestion
3. Nausea
4. Vomiting
5. Cough
6. Dry mouth
7. Sore throat[2]
2. Indigestion
3. Nausea
4. Vomiting
5. Cough
6. Dry mouth
7. Sore throat[2]
Recommended Dosage of Grapes
- Grapes Powder - 1/4-1/2 teaspoon twice a day.
- Grapes Capsule - 1-2 capsules twice a day.
- Grapes Tablet - 1-2 tablet twice a day.
How to use Grapes
1. Grape Seed Extract Powder
a. Take 1-2 pinch of Grape Seed Extract Powder.
b. Mix with honey and have it after meals once or twice a day.
2. Grape Powder
a. Take ¼-½ teaspoon Grape Powder.
b. Mix with honey or water.
c. Swallow it after lunch and dinner.
3. Ripe Grapes
a. Take ½-1 cup of Grapes or as per your requirement.
b. Enjoy them preferably during breakfast or 2-3 hours after meals.
4. Grapes Capsules
a. Take 1-2 capsules of Grapes.
b. Swallow them with water twice a day, preferably after meals.
5. Grapes Juice
a. Take 1-2 glasses of Grape juice as per your requirement.
b. Drink it preferably in the breakfast or in afternoon.
a. Take 1-2 pinch of Grape Seed Extract Powder.
b. Mix with honey and have it after meals once or twice a day.
2. Grape Powder
a. Take ¼-½ teaspoon Grape Powder.
b. Mix with honey or water.
c. Swallow it after lunch and dinner.
3. Ripe Grapes
a. Take ½-1 cup of Grapes or as per your requirement.
b. Enjoy them preferably during breakfast or 2-3 hours after meals.
4. Grapes Capsules
a. Take 1-2 capsules of Grapes.
b. Swallow them with water twice a day, preferably after meals.
5. Grapes Juice
a. Take 1-2 glasses of Grape juice as per your requirement.
b. Drink it preferably in the breakfast or in afternoon.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Yes, 100 grams of Grapes approximately contains 70 calories. Grapes are rich in vitamins, potassium, fibres, polyphenols and other minerals.
Modern Science View
Consuming too many Grapes at the same time increases the amount of calorie in your diet. Doing this may cause weight gain.
Modern Science View
On an average an individual can eat approximately 20-30 Grapes in a day. The calorie content will be sufficient to fulfill your energy requirement of the day.
References
- Kanagarla NSSAV, Kuppast IJ, Veerashekar T.A review on benefits and uses of Vitis vinifera (Grape).RRBS.2013;7(3):175-180.
- WebMD.Grape: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
- En-Qin Xia, Gui-Fang Deng, Ya-Jun Guo.et.al.Biological Activities of Polyphenols from Grapes.Int J Mol Sci. 2010; 11(2): 622–646.
- Meng X , Li Y, Li S.Dietary Sources and Bioactivities of Melatonin.Nutrients. 2017: 9: 367.
- Georgiev V, Ananga A, Tsolova V. Recent advances and uses of Grape flavonoids as nutraceuticals. Nutrients.2014;6:391-415.
- Garg N, Jain A.Therapeutic and medicinal uses of draksha - A review. IJSR.2017;6(3):2365-2369.
- Orhan DD, Orhan N, Ozcelik B. Biological activities of Vitis vinifera L. leaves. Turkish Journal of Biology 33(4):341-348.
- Nayak SR, Jena MK, Panda BB. Case Report Sudden Deaths Due to Choking.J Indian Acad Forensic Med. 2015: 37(1):106-108.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.