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]
FAQs about Grapes precautions
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.
Benefits of Grapes
Ayurvedic View
Grapes help to manage black spots on the face. According to Ayurveda, it is due to an aggravated Vata. Grapes help reduce dark spots and increases moisture content in the skin because of its Snigdha (oily) nature. It also gives cooling effects due to its Sita (cold) nature.
Tips:
1. Rub the pulp of Grapes on your face in gentle circular movements.
2. Wash it off after 1 5-20 minutes.
3. Repeat to manage dark skin patches.
Tips:
1. Rub the pulp of Grapes on your face in gentle circular movements.
2. Wash it off after 1 5-20 minutes.
3. Repeat to manage dark skin patches.
Modern Science View
Grapes might be beneficial in wound healing. Grape seed extract, when applied to the wound, promotes the multiplication of new skin cells. Grape seed extract also has antioxidant property and promotes wound closure[1][2].
Ayurvedic View
Grape pulp helps in quick healing of wound, controls swelling and brings back the normal texture of the skin. This is due to its Ropan (healing) property. It also reduces inflammation when applied to the affected area because of its Sita (cold)nature.
Tips:
1. Take 2-5 drops of Grapeseed oil.
2. Add coconut oil to it.
3. Apply on the affected area once or twice a day for quick healing of wound.
Tips:
1. Take 2-5 drops of Grapeseed oil.
2. Add coconut oil to it.
3. Apply on the affected area once or twice a day for quick healing of wound.
How effective is Grapes?
Likely effective
Eye pain
Insufficient evidence
Eye diseases caused by diabetes, macular degeneration and macular edema, Melasma, Skin regeneration
Recommended Dosage of Grapes
- Grapes Oil - 2-5 drops or as per your requirement.
How to use Grapes
1. Grapeseed oil
a. Take 2-5 drops of Grapeseed oil.
b. Add coconut oil to it.
c. Gently massage on the face and body.
d. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week to get rid of wrinkles, fine lines and scars.
a. Take 2-5 drops of Grapeseed oil.
b. Add coconut oil to it.
c. Gently massage on the face and body.
d. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week to get rid of wrinkles, fine lines and scars.
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.
Modern Science View
No, Grapes do not cause yeast infection. Polyphenols present in Grapes possess potential antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral activities. Studies state that Grapes helps to inhibit microbial growth especially Escherichia coli[3].
Ayurvedic View
According to Ayurveda, unhealthy food habits and lifestyle causes an imbalance in Vata dosha. This imbalance in Vata dosha is the main cause behind yeast infections. Grapes have Vata balancing property and helps in reducing the risk of yeast infections.
Modern Science View
Studies state that Grapes shows a significant effect on degenerative diseases of joint. This is because of the presence of phenolic compounds which has anti-inflammatory activity[3].
Ayurvedic View
According to Ayurveda, Gout is known as Vatarakt as the main dosha involved is Vata. Grapes are good in case of gout as it has Vata balancing property and reduce the symptoms of Gout.
Modern Science View
Eating Grapes at night might help manage insomnia as they contain a certain constituent (melatonin) that improves sleep efficiency, onset of sleep and treats sleep disorders[4].
Ayurvedic View
Grapes can be eaten at night as they reduce stress and helps to get a sound sleep. This is due to their Vata balancing nature. However, Grapes should be avoided if you have poor digestion as they takes time to digest due to their Guru (heavy) property.
Modern Science View
Yes, Grapes are good for respiratory problems. Grapes provide strength to the lungs and acts as an expectorant. Grapes help in the expulsion of mucus, thus used in case of cough and bronchitis[6].
Modern Science View
Yes, Grapes are good for urinary problems like cystitis and pain during urination. Grapes act as diuretics thus, help to increase the frequency and volume of urine. Grapes also soothe the bladder lining[6].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Grapes are good for urinary problems like burning sensation and pain during urination. This is because of its Sita (cold) property which gives relief in burning sensation during urination. It also increases urine flow due to its Mutral (diuretic) nature.
Modern Science View
Yes, Grapes are good for increasing fertility in both men and women. In males, Grapes might help improve the sperm count, sperm movement and sperm quality. Grapes can also be used to improve conditions of erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. In females, Grapes helps strengthen the reproductive system[6].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Grapes helps to maintain sexual wellness in male and female because of its Vrushya (improves vigor) property. Eating Grapes on a daily basis helps to manage erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation in males and increases libido in females.
Modern Science View
Enough scientific evidence is not available for the benefits of Grapes for babies. However, as Grapes are rich in vitamins and minerals they might have positive health benefits in babies. It should be noted that Grapes might pose as a choking hazard for babies, so to be safe, they should be given in the form of a puree or any other safe form[7][8].
Tips:
Take about 5-10 Grapes.
Peel and grind them carefully to form a puree.
Mix it with other foods or use as such.
Peeling should also be avoided to retain properties of Grape skin.
Tips:
Take about 5-10 Grapes.
Peel and grind them carefully to form a puree.
Mix it with other foods or use as such.
Peeling should also be avoided to retain properties of Grape skin.
Ayurvedic View
Grapes help to improve digestion in babies due to their Pachak (digestion) property. They also provide strength and stamina due to the Balya (strength provider) property. Grapes are also beneficial in maintaining suitable iron content in the body.
Modern Science View
Grape leaves are a good source of iron and vitamin A and C that protect the body from various diseases. Grape leaves are rich in antioxidants and possess antimicrobial properties as well. They might be beneficial for managing inflammatory disorders, infections and pain. The leaves may also be used in hemorrhage and to treat diarrhea[7].
Ayurvedic View
Grapes leaves are beneficial in some conditions like diarrhea or any bleeding disorder due to its Kashay (astringent), Sita (cold) and Stambhak (styptic) properties. These help to control the frequency of motion in case of diarrhea and stop excessive blood loss in case of bleeding disorders.
Modern Science View
Black dried Grapes have many benefits as they act as laxatives. They relieve irritation of the mucous membranes in the mouth and act as a cooling agent.They are used in thirst, coughs, hoarseness and in weight loss. They are also used as sweets after meals due to its taste[1].
Modern Science View
Acne is mainly due to the action of acne-causing bacteria on the clogged pores. Studies suggest that polyphenols found in Grapes possess antimicrobial activity and helps control acne and pimples[3].
Ayurvedic View
No Grapes help to fight acne due to its Kashaya (astringent) property. It also helps reduce acne scars due to its Ropan (healing) nature.
Ayurvedic View
Grapes has anti-aging property. Grape seed oil helps to control the signs of aging due to its Ropan (healing) nature. It reduces fine lines and wrinkles on application.
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.