9 Health Benefits of Grapes That’ll Make You Want to Eat the Whole Bunch

Grapes come in many colors: white, red, black, blue, green, purple and golden, and there are over 8,000 varieties of grapes worldwide.  The oldest grapevine in America is the 400 year-old Scuppernong vine in North Carolina, but regardless of where our grapes come from, we just don’t eat enough of these wonderful fruits. Here are the top benefits to eating (and drinking!) them daily.

1. Weight Management

Grapes are packed with compounds called flavonoids, and a study in 2016 linked diets high in flavonoids with good weight maintenance. A cup of grapes has around 100 calories, so although they are sweet, they make a great nutrient-dense snack, so you can eat more of them for a lower calorie count.

2. Anti-Inflammatory

The antioxidants in grapes may help reduce cellular damage by protecting cell membranes. One or two cups of grapes per day can help protect your tissues by damping down the chemical reactions that trigger inflammation in your body.

3. Brain Function

The polyphenols in grapes may help to boost cognition and maintain vascular health and function. They could also help by reducing the risk of harmful oxidation.

4. Heart-Healthy

Grapes are beneficial for cardiovascular health. Certain compounds in grapes can help regulate blood pressure, reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, and protect your vascular system.

5. Skin Protecting

Phytonutrients found in colorful fruits and vegetables may protect skin cells from the effects of ultraviolet light radiation, according to some studies.

6. Lower the Risk of Diabetes

Reservatrol, which is an immune-boosting antioxidant found in grapes, is specifically linked to improving blood sugar regulation by affecting carbohydrate metabolism. Eat fresh or freeze dried grapes to get this benefit, as grape juices often contain sugar.

7. Hydration

Grapes are 82% water, and proper hydration is essential for our bodies. It’s linked to skin appearance, cell regeneration and overall health. Eating grapes is a tasty way to help keep hydrated.

8. Reduce Risks of Some Cancers

High antioxidant foods, like grapes, are linked to a lower risk of certain cancers. They help to protect cellular DNA, reduce oxidative stress, and could limit tumor growth.

9. You Get to Drink Grapes Too!

Yes, moderate wine consumption is linked to a reduced risk of chronic disease and improved health. The healthy phenolic compounds in grapes are still present after they are turned into wine, so that’s a good reason to raise a glass!