That there are definitive health benefits of grapes is not a new concept, in fact it was Hippocrates who recommended certain wines to bring relief from fever, anxiety, to disinfect and clean wounds way back in 450 BC.

It was not until November of 1991 that a news magazine did a news segment on something that came to be known as the French Paradox did wine suddenly turn from “drinking for pleasure” to “drinking for health”.  The paradox is this:  French people eat foods high in cholesterol and fat, such as cheese, butter, organ meats and eggs.  Thus that diet is prone to heart disease, however they drink red wine with most of their meals and yet the rate of heart disease is far less there than it is in America.

Grapes are generally 70-80% water and 15-30% sugar (fructose and glucose). They also contain many nutrients such as; phlobaphene, quercetine, gallic acid, silicic acid, anin, glucosides, salicilic acid, phosphoric acid, oxalic acid, pectins, tannic substances, calcium, magnesium, manganese, iron, vitamin B1, B2, B6, B12, A, C, P, PP, K, enzymes and folic acid.

Grapes not only have that but in the grape seed it self there is tannic substances, lecithin, phlobaphene and fatty oil. Grape skins contain tannic substances and oils and even grape leaf has sugar, carotene, tannic substances, potassium, sodium, silicon and iron.

One cup of grapes or 60g of grapes
36 calories
9g carbohydrates
9g sugar
13g Protein
13g Fat

Grapes have many benefits that are only now being brought into the light, however these or the main health benefits of grapes/wine:

Heart
Moderate amounts of alcohol can raise your good cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol) and thin your blood. This is thought to be one of the primary cardiovascular benefits from wine.
Arteries kept clean by polyphenols in red grape skins, means no blood clots and healthier blood vessels.

Coronary heart disease reduced, meaning less chance of heart attack or stroke
Blocks the artery clogging effects of fatty food products
Pterostilbene- reduces cholesterol and triglycerides by affecting enzymes responsible with the regulation of fat level in our blood.

Cancer
Cancer cells are killed by protein in red grape skins.

Grapes/Wine contains high levels of caffeic acid, a very strong cancer fighting substance.

Bioflavonoids provide strength to our cells and help kill cancer cells.

Resveratrol- also helps in preventing cancer, especially liver, lung, breast and prostate cancer.

Viruses
Grapes have an effective antimicrobial action. They help to fight off certain bacteria, like Staph and E. coli.

Tannin, another polyphenol contained by grapes, can help fight viruses and tumors. Tannin is absorbed in the intestinal tract, where it is most effective in fighting viruses.

Aging
Resveratrol has been given credit for influencing genes that control the aging process. It also helps to restrict caloric intake and activates enzymes that slow aging, thus increasing DNA stability and extending life span by 70%. Now that is pretty amazing!

Grapes contribute to reducing the risk of loss of eyesight. Since loss of eyesight is a big problem for the elderly, drinking wine can reduce the risk of macular degeneration by 30-40%.

It is important to know that it is only in moderation that the effects of the benefits will be felt.  If you drink to excess then you will have a bunch more health problems, so remember moderation is the key. And what’s moderation? Well, moderation is defined as a glass or two each day, and no, you can’t save them up all week and drink all of them on the weekend.