At the end of summer, there comes a period when a very useful plant, grapes, begins to ripen in the gardens. It is eaten by both adults and children. What are the benefits of grapes for people of different ages?
The grape is a small shrub on which delicious berries grow. The shrub itself is called the vine. If earlier it was grown only in the southern regions of Russia, now it is done everywhere. This became possible thanks to the development of new frost-resistant varieties.
Useful composition of grapes
Grapes are of great benefit to the human body. This is due to the presence of a large amount of vitamins and microelements in grapes.
It is dominated by vitamins C and B, carbohydrates, as well as iodine, potassium, silicon and cobalt. The following beneficial chemical compounds have been found in grapes: organic acids, flavonoids, pectins, glucose, fructose, and so on. The composition of these berries largely explains the beneficial properties of grapes for the human body at any age.
The benefits of grapes for children
Research by specialists has proven that grapes have a positive effect on the development of a growing child's body. It doesn't matter in what form to use it. It can be juice, fresh berries, compote, jam or raisins (dried grapes). Grapes contain calcium, which strengthens baby's bones and promotes proper growth.
In children, these berries significantly increase immunity. Therefore, the use of grapes during the period of flu and colds significantly reduces the risk of illness. Also, do not forget that this fruit improves digestion and contributes to the rapid saturation of the child's body. Therefore, it is recommended to eat it for children with metabolic disorders and underweight.
Fresh grapes begin to be eaten by children no earlier than three years old. This is due to the fact that it gives a very strong digestion load on the digestive system. Therefore, the baby may have colic. A child can be given no more than 100 g of fresh berries of this plant per day.
The benefits of grapes for adults
Grapes can provide tremendous benefits to the adult human body. But there are several main beneficial properties of these berries.
Useful properties of grapes
- Grapes prevent the formation of kidney stones in adults.
- These berries help to cure the following ailments: nephrosis, nephritis, gout, tuberculosis, hepatitis, and so on.
- Improves digestion and normalizes bowel function. Relieves constipation.
- Helps the human body fight liver cirrhosis.
- Promotes the elimination of harmful substances and toxins from the body.
- Improves the functioning of the heart and cleanses the blood vessels.
- The presence of iron in grapes can increase the level of hemoglobin in human blood. And this, in turn, protects the body from the development of anemia.
- Increases the performance of the brain.
- Reduces blood pressure.
- Grapes are useful for diseases of the respiratory system, including asthma.
- Prevents the appearance of depression and stress in humans. Calms the nervous system.
- Stimulates the work of the pancreas.
- Prevents the formation of blood clots in human blood.
- Improves vision.
In addition to these basic beneficial properties for the human body, grapes also have a positive effect on human reproductive function.
In grapes, not only berries are useful, but also the leaves of the plant. They are applied to open wounds and cuts to improve blood clotting. Various decoctions and infusions are prepared from the leaves, which help with bronchitis, sore throat, asthma and hypertension. Grape leaves are used in cosmetology to create natural cosmetics.
From the leaves of grapes, you can make a simple and classic recipe at home, the preparation of which will take very little time. To do this, take ordinary grape leaves with the addition of a small amount of flower honey in a 2: 1 ratio. They are thoroughly ground and mixed. This nourishing mask should be applied to the face for 20 minutes. Then rinse with warm water. This recipe will get rid of rough and lumpy skin on any person's face.
Eating grapes during pregnancy
At this point, all experts advise a pregnant woman to stop eating fresh grapes. This is due to the fact that it has a high calorie content (72 kcal per 100 g) and promotes rapid weight gain in the expectant mother. And this threatens with some complications during childbirth. Especially it is necessary to give up the use of grapes in late pregnancy. Grapes cannot be combined with milk, which is simply necessary at a given period of a girl's life. It replenishes calcium reserves in the human body. This is also a good reason to stop eating grapes during pregnancy.
Harm to grapes
In addition to all the beneficial properties of grapes, there are also contraindications for use. In particular, it should not be eaten for diseases such as poor blood clotting, stomach and duodenal ulcers, colitis, uremia, diabetes mellitus. Grapes can cause allergic reactions in the human body, which is also a contraindication to use. Also, do not forget about children less than three years old and a significant degree of obesity in humans. At the same time, grapes contribute to even greater weight gain.
Grapes should not be eaten during dysentery and other intestinal disorders associated with the appearance of loose stools in humans. This is because it has an even more laxative effect.
In any case, you need to eat grapes in moderation. The daily dose for an adult should not exceed 200 g of fresh berries. Moreover, you cannot eat it every day. You need to adhere to the schedule - no more than 3 times a week.
