Grapes - Useful Properties And Uses Of Grapes, How To Store?

2024 Author: Josephine Shorter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-17 02:10

Grapes

Botanical characteristics of grapes

Grapes are a perennial climbing plant with a predominant number of bisexual flowers. This plant is pollinated by wind, insects and independently. A vine liana can reach 30-40 meters in length and grows attaching itself to supports with tendrils. The leaves of the grapes are alternate, petiolate, whole, with three or five lobes. Bisexual, greenish, collected in a loose or dense panicle, small flowers appear in May-June.

The fruits of the grapes can be harvested in August-September, they are juicy berries, collected in bunches, inside which are seeds. People have learned to propagate grapes by seeds and vegetatively - with the help of cuttings, layering, by grafting. Cultural grapes are used for the production of raisins, grape juice, wine, preserves, compotes and vinegar.

Composition and calorie content

• Fats: 0.4 g
• Proteins: 0.6 g
• Carbohydrates: 17,1 g
• Water: 81.3 g
• Ash: 0.6 g
• Cellulose: 0.9 g

Vitamins	amount	% RDA
Vitamin K	14.6 mcg	12%
Vitamin B1 (thiamin)	0.09.6 mg	6%
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)	0.11.6 mg	6%

Minerals (in 100 g):	amount	% RDA
Boron	365 mcg	521%
* Strontium	1400 mcg	175%
Silicon	49 mg	163%
Rubidium	100 mcg	100%
Manganese	81 μg	39%
Vanadium	10 mcg	25%
Cobalt	2 μg	20%
Arsenic	2 μg	17%
Iron	2,2 mg	fifteen%
Nickel	16 μg	eleven%
Potassium	208 mg	ten%
Iodine	11 μg	eight%

Other important connections:

• Phytosterols - 4 mg (7.3% of the RDI)
• Purines - 8 mg (6.7% of the RDI)
• Oxalic acid - 7.9 mg (2% of the RDI)

Grapes can contain up to 1400 mcg of strontium, which is 175% of the daily value.

Complete chemical composition ➤

Useful properties of grapes

Grapes are not only a delicious and beautiful berry, but also an excellent source of health and vitality. Its beneficial properties have a healing effect on the human body. Ripe grapes contain easily digestible sugars, such as glucose and fructose. Also valuable substances are sucrose, raffinose, xylose and other sugar-like components. Grape juice is a complex solution, it contains many organic acids: tartaric, malic, citric and succinic.

Scientifically proven beneficial effect on the work of organs of fumaric, glycolic, oxalic, gluconic and other acids. All the necessary minerals, a large amount of potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, iron, manganese, and aluminum are found in the juice of ripe grapes. There is a group of anions such as phosphorus, sulfur, silicon and chlorine. Grapes provide the body with manganese, molybdenum, boron, titanium, vanadium, radium, zinc and cobalt. These are valuable biological catalysts.

The presence of iron salts in grape juice has an important influence on the vital activity of organs and systems. With their help, red blood balls are actively formed. There is a lot of pectin in the pulp and skin of grape berries, which has anti-toxic properties and helps the body to get rid of radioactive elements, heavy metals and various toxins. The vitamin complex of grapes consists of vitamin C, carotene, vitamins of group B, R. Enzymes normalize food digestion and tissue regeneration.

The enzyme lipase breaks down fats and aids in their digestion. Peroxidase, catecholoxidase, aldolase, esterase are useful. Among the important elements of grape juice are tannins, coloring, aromatic and nitrogenous substances, phytoncides. Fresh grape juice has an antiseptic effect, prevents the influence of pathogens of various diseases.

The use of grapes

The medicinal properties of grapes make it possible to use it in the treatment of anemia, some cardiovascular diseases, cirrhosis of the liver, and chronic hepatitis. Berries are used to normalize the work of the gastrointestinal tract, to improve health in acute and chronic nephritis, nephrosis. The use of grape berries and juice is a good prevention of the formation of urinary sand and kidney stones.

It is recommended to take grapes for chronic forms of pulmonary tuberculosis. The plant shows medicinal properties for catarrh of the pharynx and larynx, gout, and prevents the appearance of many diseases. Organic acids have a calming effect and enhance the activity of the pancreas. With hypertension, grapes act as an antihypertensive agent, there is a weakening of heart tremors and a decrease in heart rate. Under the influence of organic acids, the activity of the pancreas is enhanced.

Doctors recommend grapes to people with problems of the gastrointestinal tract, to increase the secretion and acidity of gastric juice. It is useful to use fresh grape juice for inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract and asthma. When taking grapes, due to the stimulation of the bone marrow, the function of the hematopoietic organs improves. One glass of grape juice supplies the body with a daily norm of vitamins B, C, R. Grape treatment is practiced in the famous health resorts of the Crimea, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia, and the republics of Central Asia.

Grapes

The juicy fruits of the grapes are berries, the size and weight of which can be different. The berries are white, gray, pink, red, dark blue. The taste of cultivated berries can be neutral, fresh, herbaceous, nutmeg, strawberry, nightshade. Grape berries are diverse in shape: they are round, ovoid, oval, oblong-curved. The skin can be dense and thin, well or difficult to separate from the pulp, covered with a waxy coating or without it.

The pulp of the berries has a different structure: in some varieties it is very soft, in others it is of medium density, sometimes hard and very hard. Young green berries, before ripening, evaporate water through their surface, breathe and produce organic matter, there is practically no sugar in them. As it ripens, the amount of sugar increases, the acid content decreases, and the number of esters and dyes in the skin increases.

Calorie content of grapes

Sweet, tasty grapes contain sugar. Because of their calorie content, grapes can rightfully be called an indispensable product that can satisfy hunger and replenish energy reserves. In white grape varieties, the calorie content is 43 kilocalories per 100 g, in red varieties - 64 kilocalories, the carbohydrate content –17 g. The opinion that the use of grapes causes weight gain is erroneous. Grapes increase appetite, weight is gained from the food eaten. If you eat 10-15 berries a day and stick to moderation in food, then you will not be overweight.

Grape seed oil

Grape seeds are endowed with many properties that are beneficial in the treatment of many diseases. But biologically active substances are stored only in the oil obtained by the cold pressing method. It contains bioflavonoids that resemble female hormones (estrogens) in structure, a large amount of vitamin E, vitamin C, as well as zinc, copper, selenium have been identified. Grape oil is considered the most powerful natural antioxidant that increases the elasticity of blood vessels.

The oil helps to reduce blood cholesterol levels, is useful as a prophylactic agent in the initial stage of hypertension. Drinking a teaspoon of grape oil every day significantly reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis and arthritis. It is also recommended to take oil to enhance immunity, protect against infectious diseases. Grape seed oil supplies the body with polyunsaturated fatty acids, tannins, enzymes, chlorophyll, potassium, sodium, and iron.

Healing oil prevents strokes, heart attacks, thrombosis, couperosis. The use of grape seed oil in combination with therapy for varicose veins and hemorrhoids provides a quick recovery. Such an excellent remedy has regenerative properties to maintain skin elasticity, and is suitable for the treatment of acne, abrasions, cuts and burns.

Indications for taking grape seed oil are problems associated with disruption of the digestive system, hepatitis, diseases of the biliary tract. Cooking grape seed oil at home is based on mutual penetration and replacement of oils, in physics this process is called diffusion.

Homemade grape seed oil recipe

The seeds of fully ripe berries must be washed with water, dried in an oven at a temperature of 40–45 ° C, chopped in a meat grinder or in a coffee grinder, fill a half-liter jar with them, compacting the crushed mass, and pour over refined sunflower oil. As the oil is absorbed, add oil to cover the raw material by 0.5–1 cm.

Then the composition should be tightly closed with a lid and kept in the refrigerator for 7 days, stirring from time to time. After insisting, you need to squeeze the bones through two layers of gauze and again leave in a closed jar for 2-3 days. Carefully, trying not to shake the greenish oil collected at the top is poured into a bottle.

To obtain a more concentrated grape oil, the resulting oil is poured into a freshly crushed mass of seeds and the whole procedure is repeated.

Extract from grape seeds

Grape seed extract is used to treat venous diseases. This is a powerful antioxidant agent that strengthens capillaries, is effective in thrombosis, helps well with varicose veins, trophic ulcers, increases hemoglobin, normalizes blood count, prevents platelet adhesion, has a wide spectrum of bactericidal and antiviral effects.

It has been proven that in case of pathologies of the retina and optic nerve, the extract from grape seeds improves visual functions and eye hemodynamics. The tonic properties of the medicinal agent improve sleep, relieve psycho-emotional arousal. There is a decrease in chronic fatigue syndrome. With mental and physical overload and stress, the useful substances of the extract replenish the body with an energy charge.

Grape seed extract

Grape seed extract contains glycosides, fructose, flobafen, enin. In large quantities, this product contains malic, phosphoric, silicic, salicylic, citric, succinic, oxalic acids. Due to the presence of potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium salts, vitamins B1, B2, A, C, tannins, flobafen and lecithin in the extract, cell renewal occurs. The value of the remedy is powerful antioxidants that neutralize enzymes that destroy the structure of connective tissues.

As a result of their action, the walls of blood vessels are strengthened and the level of collagen of the skin, tendons, and cartilage normalizes. The extract is able to restore the function of the retina of the eye, is taken as a prophylactic agent that prevents myocardial infarction and atherosclerosis. Smoking, drug side effects and poor environment affect human health; grape seed extract will help remove toxins, reduce the negative effects of harmful substances on the body.

Grape Seed Tincture

Grape seed alcoholic tincture can be prepared at home. To do this, the seeds of red grape varieties are washed, dried with a napkin, crushed and placed in a half-liter jar. Raw materials are poured into 250 ml of vodka, tightly closed and kept in a dark place for a month, shaking daily. When the tincture is ready, it must be filtered and taken for five days, 1 drop per day with meals, then you need to take a break for five days. Tincture treats throat diseases, using it as a gargle.

Red grapes

Red grapes have many medicinal properties and promote health, which is why they are highly regarded by modern nutritionists. Red grape varieties are especially useful, as they contain a huge amount of various substances and acids that normalize the rhythms of heart contractions. Its bones, skin and stalk contain catechin, quercetin, lutein and other phytoestrogens. They prevent atherosclerosis in women over 45. The consumption of red grapes changes the blood formula, which leads to improved nutrition of all organs and systems, restores blood circulation, and lowers blood pressure in hypertension.

Red grapes contribute to normal digestion, reduce stomach acidity, treat chronic gastritis, stomach ulcers. Red grapes have a beneficial effect on the body with frequent colds, bronchitis. The diuretic properties of red grapes allow you to get rid of toxins. Incredibly healthy berries serve as a preventive measure against kidney and bladder diseases. Juice and berries of red grapes will be the best natural medicine for arthritis, rheumatism, osteochondrosis.

Kishmish grapes

Kishmish is a very tasty and sweet grape variety that grows in Central Asia. Its calorie content in 100 g is 95 kcal, in raisins - almost 270 kcal. Such grapes are distinguished by the absence of seeds, they are black and white. It contains vitamins, minerals, high amounts of sugars, carbohydrates and organic acids. The use of such a wonderful product is recommended to relieve irritability in stressful situations, nervous tension and fatigue. Cobalt, sodium, calcium, phosphorus and iron present in raisins contribute to the excellent functioning of the digestive tract, improve metabolic processes.

Kishmish grapes are beneficial for their antioxidant properties. The opinion about the valuable qualities of raisins is indisputable: eating only a few berries a day or drinking a glass of freshly made juice can prevent kidney and liver diseases. Grapes are also useful for low blood pressure, diseases of the blood and blood vessels. It can help boost immunity, improve well-being for people with asthma.

Dried raisins are no less useful. From time immemorial, raisins have been considered a valuable product, they retain all the nutrients, vitamins and useful properties inherent in fresh berries. The content in raisins, especially black, oleanolic acid and phytonutrients, helps to reduce the number of bacteria that cause oral diseases. However, it should not be consumed in large quantities.

Black grapes

Black grapes (table grapes) ripen in autumn. Its berries are oblong, obovate, large or very large in size. The skins and seeds of black grapes are high in resveratrol, which may help them fight cancer. The anti-inflammatory effect of the beneficial substance is effective in breast, colon and rectal cancer. It is known that 200 g of red wine contains a daily dose of vitamins PP and R. Grapes and products from it prevent the expansion of veins and the formation of blood clots in the vessels.

The use of valuable berries helps to increase the body's resistance to colds. Extracts, oil and seed extracts prepared on the basis of black grapes help to cope with the negative effects of viruses, radiation, normalize the immune system and improve hormones. For the prevention of many diseases, it is enough to eat a small bunch of grapes several times a week or drink grape juice diluted with water.

Wild grapes

Wild, or girly, grapes can be edible, tasty, and healthy. There are many varieties of it. The fruits of the plant contain carbohydrates, pigments, dextrose, pectin. Also present are tartaric, malic, citric acids. The seeds contain a fatty oil. The fruits are used for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, for diarrhea. Berries are suitable for raisins, vinegar and oil.

The climbing plant is ideal for decorating the walls of houses, trees and fences. Wild grapes grow on any household plot, easily endure wintering, while requiring attention and care: it, like other cultivated varieties, must be pruned and watered.

How to store grapes?

For long-term storage, it is necessary to choose healthy bunches without mold and damage, the berries should be dry, whole, without dents, shiny and dense.

Storage of grapes will be good only in a dark, cool, well-ventilated and dry place. The optimum storage temperature is + 5–7 ° C Celsius. The walls of the premises must be whitewashed with lime milk for disinfection and fumigated with sulfur.

Grape storage methods:

1. You can cut the fruits together with a branch, fill the cuts with wax or paraffin so that air and bacteria do not penetrate into the core, hang them on an elongated rope at such a distance that the clusters do not touch.

2. Grapes are also perfectly stored if you cut off the brush along with part of the vine and place the bottom cut in a container with water, like a flower in a vase. It is recommended to add a piece of charcoal or a pinch of salt to the water.

3. Small quantities of grapes can be stored in dry sand, cork chips, sawdust: this reduces the evaporation of water and the freshness of the berries remains for several months.

Contraindications to the use of grapes

Contraindications to grape treatment are: diabetes mellitus, obesity, acute forms of pulmonary tuberculosis. Before consuming berries and taking various grape-based products, you need to consult a doctor. Grapes are not suitable for uremia, hypertension, accompanied by edema, colitis, ulcers in the mouth and stomach. It is advisable to use fresh juice, and if canned, then without the presence of preservatives.

Grape juice, getting on the teeth, enhances carious processes, it is recommended to rinse your mouth thoroughly with baking soda dissolved in water after taking a grape product. Taking heparin, warfarin, aspirin, which help prevent blood clots, you need to remember that grape extract reduces blood clotting.

The author of the article: Kuzmina Vera Valerievna | Endocrinologist, nutritionist

Education: Diploma of the Russian State Medical University named after NI Pirogov with a degree in General Medicine (2004). Residency at Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry, diploma in Endocrinology (2006).