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Grapes: A Simple Fruit with an Impressive List of Health Benefits

The AHA! Team — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 06:34:26 +0000

Olivia Cook via Natural News – Grapes have been cherished by civilizations for thousands of years. From ancient Egyptians and Greeks to modern-day tables, grapes have been enjoyed fresh from the vine, freeze-dried, pressed into juice or fermented into wine, symbolizing abundance and life. The ability of grapes to thrive in various climates – from warm Mediterranean regions to colder winters – makes them a constant presence year-round. But beyond their history and versatility, grapes are a nutritional powerhouse that offer an impressive list of health benefits. Often called “nature’s candy” for their natural sweetness, grapes are packed with nutrients that can help protect your body from a wide range of health conditions. They contain a mix of natural phytocompounds, essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants – all of which work together to support overall health. Rich in nutrients A cup of grapes (about 151 grams) provides vitamin K (18 percent of your daily value or DV), which plays a key role in blood clotting and bone health. You’ll also get a dose of vitamin C (five percent of DV), known for its immune-boosting properties and vitamin E (two percent of DV), which supports skin health and acts as an antioxidant. The B vitamins in grapes, including thiamine (B1, riboflavin (B2) and pyridoxine (B6), help your body convert food into energy, support brain health and maintain proper function of the nervous system. Grapes are also an excellent source of minerals such as copper (21 percent of DV), essential for the formation of red blood cells, potassium (six percent of DV, which helps control blood pressure and manganese (five percent of DV), crucial for bone health and metabolism. Antioxidant powerhouse One of the key reasons grapes are so beneficial for health is their high concentration of antioxidants. These naturally occurring compounds play a vital role in protecting your cells from damage caused by harmful molecules known as free radicals. When free radicals accumulate, they can lead to oxidative stress, which is linked to chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and even cancer. What makes grapes particularly remarkable is that they contain over 1,600 different plant compounds, many of which have potent antioxidant properties. These include anthocyanins, phenolic acids, polyphenols, proanthocyanidins and stilbenes – names you might not hear every day, but they are critical for keeping your body’s cells healthy. The antioxidants in grapes are largely found in their skins and seeds, which is why you often hear that red grapes (and red wine are particularly good for you. Red grapes owe their rich color to anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid that gives fruits their vibrant blue, orange, pink, red and purple hues. Grapes also contain two highly praised antioxidants – resveratrol (stilbene) and quercetin (flavonol). These compounds have been studied for their potential to lower blood sugar, protect against heart disease and reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. Resveratrol, in particular, has gained attention for its anti-aging properties as it helps to reduce inflammation and protect your cells from damage. Supports brain health and cognitive function A 12-week study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology involving more than 100 older adults found that a daily grape supplement of 250 mg led to notable improvements in attention, language skills and memory. In younger adults, research in the European Journal of Nutrition demonstrated that consuming 230 ml of grape juice accelerated memory-related tasks and enhanced mood within just 20 minutes. Additionally, a study in Scientific Reports suggests that resveratrol may reduce brain inflammation and help eliminate amyloid-beta peptide – a protein associated with the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Helps combat cancer Grapes are rich in potent antioxidants like anthocyanins, catechins and quercetin, which help combat cancer. Research has shown promising results, with a study published in Translational Oncology revealing that grape extracts can inhibit the growth and spread of human breast and colon cancer cells in lab tests and animal studies. Human trials also show encouraging outcomes. In a study published in Nutrition Journal, adults over 50 who consumed 150 to 450 grams of grapes daily for two weeks exhibited a reduction in markers associated with colon cancer risk. Further evidence highlights the benefits of polyphenol proanthocyanidins – compounds in grapes that offer protection against cancers of the bladder, cervix, liver and prostate. This was supported by findings from a 2022 study published in Foods. Another standout antioxidant, resveratrol, has demonstrated the ability to interfere with all stages of cancer development. A 2023 review published in Nutrients suggests that resveratrol, present in both red grapes and red wine, lowers the risk of cancers like breast cancer, colorectal cancer and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma – making moderate red wine consumption a potentially protective habit. Supports heart health Research shows that grapes can support cardiovascular function in several ways. Grapes are a good source of potassium, offering about six percent of your daily needs in just one cup. Potassium is essential for regulating blood pressure; it helps relax blood vessels – allowing blood to flow more easily and reducing the strain on your heart. In addition to that, potassium helps your body get rid of excess sodium, further protecting against high blood pressure. However, balance is key; a review of 32 studies published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that both too much and too little potassium could increase blood pressure. Grapes are also rich in polyphenols that help protect against high cholesterol. Studies have shown that these compounds can lower LDL (bad) cholesterol by decreasing its absorption in the intestines. An 8-week study involving people with high cholesterol found that consuming 3 cups of red grapes daily significantly reduced total and LDL cholesterol levels. Interestingly, white grapes didn’t have the same effect, likely because red grapes have higher concentrations of resveratrol. Reduces insulin resistance Moreover, grapes contain compounds that may enhance insulin sensitivity, A review of 29 studies published in Phytotherapy Research found that both grapes and grape supplements significantly reduced insulin resistance – partly due to resveratrol, which helps by boosting glucose receptor activity on cell membranes; enhancing insulin production; increasing insulin sensitivity; lowering insulin resistance and protecting insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Supports gut health With grapes containing 81 percent water, they are a great choice for staying hydrated and supporting regular digestion. Proper hydration helps maintain smooth bowel movements and can reduce the risk of constipation, which is often characterized by infrequent stools and a sense of incomplete evacuation. The fiber found in whole grapes is also another digestive booster. Unlike fruit juices, whole fruits like grapes are known to help alleviate constipation by speeding up the passage of stool through the digestive tract – increasing stool weight and promoting more frequent bowel movements. A study published in Frontiers in Nutrition indicates that a higher intake of fruits like grapes can positively impact gut health by influencing gut bacteria, improving stool consistency and boosting stood frequency, which can be especially beneficial for those experiencing functional constipation. Supports eye health Grapes are packed with beneficial plant compounds that promote eye health, including provitamin A carotenoids, lutein, zeaxanthin and a bit of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). These nutrients work together to improve visual performance, maintain eye health and help prevent age-related eye diseases, Research published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences highlights the protective effects of resveratrol on retinal cells against ultraviolet A (UVA) light. This protection may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration – a leading cause of vision loss. Additionally, a review in Nutrients suggests that resveratrol may offer protection against eye conditions, such as cataracts, diabetic eye disease and glaucoma. Read more stories like this at SuperFood.news. Learn how grapes affect your body by watching the video here. This video is from the Daily Videos channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Grapes: Versatile fruit with health benefits. How eating red grapes can help fight off cancer. Study: Resveratrol, a compound found in grapes, can protect against cognitive decline. Sources include: DPI.Wi.gov FDC.NAL.USDA.gov TandFonline.com – PubMed.NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov 1 NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov 1 PubMed.NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov 2 PubMed.NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov 3 PubMed.NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov 4 NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov 2 PubMed.NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov 5 NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov 3 NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov 4 NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov 5 NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov 6 PubMed.NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov 6 PubMed.NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov 7 PubMed.NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov 8 NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov 7 NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov 8 NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov 9 Brighteon.com To read the original article, click here

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Nature’s Pharmacy: How to Use God’s Creation to Heal Disease

AHA Publisher — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 08:00:48 +0000

Lorie Johnson via CBN News – Alternative medicine is a type of treatment that continues to grow in popularity. Often it includes treatments that aren’t new and some people might even call them ancient. Since its inception, many have called modern medicine a gift from God. Sometimes, however, we look back to the treatments of our ancestors. Dr. Josh Axe, the founder of the most-visited natural health website in America, says equating healing with pharmaceuticals is a relatively new concept. “Up until 150 years ago when somebody used the word medicine it typically didn’t mean a synthetic medicine,” he told CBN News, “It typically meant an herb or spice, like ginger or frankincense, and all of these things that are referenced in the Bible that’s what was meant by medicine.” In his new book Ancient Remedies: Secrets to Healing with Herbs, Essential Oils, CBD, and the Most Powerful Natural Medicine in History Dr. Axe recommends herbs, supplements, essential oils and foods to treat about 75 different conditions. “For instance, if somebody is struggling with hypothyroidism, I go through those top five herbs so people know exactly what to do,” he said, “If somebody has Alzheimer’s, I go through what to do. If somebody has inflammation, heart disease, diabetes, chronic pain, hormone imbalance, I go through all of those things in there.” Dr. Axe says some natural treatments date back to the dawn of civilization. ‘It’s believed that Abraham taught a lot of these natural ways of healing, using different herbs and foods to support healing,” he said, “And that is the basis of Chinese or different types of Asian medicine.” Why Go Natural? Many people are content to use medicines that are made in a lab, however, if given the choice, might prefer something a little more natural. Dr. Axe points out that many of today’s man-made drugs often began as imitations of their natural counterparts. “For instance, take white willow bark. That’s where they got the idea for aspirin,” he explained, “White willow bark helps naturally thin the blood, reduces pain naturally, is anti-inflammatory. Well, aspirin is actually taken from that. But these pharmaceutical companies wanted to save money, so they started making it themselves, that is synthetic.” Dr. Axe says that process can result in side effects like nutritional deficiencies. “Diabetes drugs actually pull Coenzyme Q10 from your body and certain B vitamins,” he said, “So if you’re on a diabetes drug it increases your risk of a heart attack and stroke. If you have taken an antibiotic drug it kills the good bacteria in your body and also depletes your body of zinc.” Healing Any Disease Begins with This Dr. Axe maintains that regardless of the disease, the first step towards healing involves building a better gut since that’s where most of our immune system resides. “The foods that are most healing to the gut, number one, is bone broth,” he explained, “Bone broth is made up of 90 percent collagen and your gut itself is made up of 70 percent collagen so you have to have collagen in order for it to heal.” He said healing the gut not only involves adding the right foods to our diet, but also subtracting the wrong ones. “Gluten, dairy, and sugar are the things that will most weaken our immune systems.” Marijuana’s Sober Cousin Dr. Axe says we can also boost our body’s natural defenses against disease by balancing our hormones, lowering stress, and getting a good night’s sleep. He says marijuana’s sober cousin, CBD, can do all three. “There are two main compounds found in hemp, which are CBD and THC,” he said, “THC, that’s the compound that can cause hallucinogenic effects where people hear about getting high. CBD is a completely different compound.” So while drug companies churn out their pills, Dr. Josh Axe points to nature. He says we, like people centuries before us, can use the remedies there to cure what ails us. To read the original article click here. For more articles from CBN News click here.

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Natural Products and Herbal Medicines Show Promise in Fight Against COVID-19

AHA Publisher — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 08:00:39 +0000

Sally Robertson, B.Sc. via News-Medical Net – Researchers in China and the United States have called for more research into the potential prophylactic effects of natural products and herbal medicines on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and subsequent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In an article recently published in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology, the team discussed natural products that have exhibited an inhibitory effect on SARS-CoV-2 and herbal medicines that have been tested as potential therapies for COVID-19. “In this review, we aimed to provide a new perspective regarding COVID-19 prevention,” writes Jia-xu Chen from Jinan University in Guangzhou, and colleagues from the University of Houston, and the University of California. The researchers suggest that while the world awaits effective treatments and a commercially available vaccine, the repurposing of natural products and herbal medicines as prophylactics represents a promising approach to at least slow the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. “In the interest of public health, this will lend health officials better control on the current pandemic,” they say. No effective vaccines or therapies are available Since the COVID-19 outbreak first began in Wuhan, China, late last year (2019), the pandemic has swept the globe, devastating public health, and the worldwide economy. COVID-19 is caused by the betacoronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which initiates infection using a surface structure called the spike protein that binds to and fuses with target host cells. Although several vaccine candidates are under evaluation in clinical trials, not one has yet been approved for use, and their long-term effectiveness is uncertain. Besides vaccine development, intense efforts have also been focused on finding effective prophylactics against COVID-19 among high-risk populations. Still, few studies have provided evidence of satisfactory outcomes, say Chen and colleagues. “Since the outcome of current therapeutics in severe/critical COVID-19 patients are still debatable, prevention rather than treatment becomes more important to restrain this pandemic,” writes the team. “Blocking the entry of SARS-CoV-2 and suppressing infection at the initial stage is considered a more practical strategy.” Historically, natural products and herbal medicines have been used for the prevention of viral infections and generally show favorable efficacy and acceptable toxicity, say the researchers. The potential effects of natural products and herbal medicines Now, Chen and the team have published a review summarizing some recent findings regarding the potential effectiveness of natural products and herbal medicines in the inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 infection. For example, they discuss compounds derived from natural products that may be effective against the cellular receptor heat shock protein A5 (HSPA5). Some studies have reported that HSPA5 is recognized by the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and one 2020 study showed that the phytoestrogens daidzein, genistein, formononetin, and biochanin A have binding affinities with HSPA5. The researchers say these medicinal, plant-derived compounds may disrupt the attachment of SARS-CoV-2 to host cells (through spike), although their antiviral bioactivity requires further investigation. The host cell enzyme transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) facilitates the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into host cells. Inhibition of this enzyme blocks the spike protein’s ability to fuse with the host cell receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Using molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations, one study conducted earlier this year demonstrated that withanone, a compound that can be isolated from Ashwagandha leaves (Withania somnifera) could bind to the catalytic site of TMPRSS2. That study also confirmed that withanone significantly downregulated TMPRSS2 in the breast cancer cell line MCF-7, thereby pointing to its potential to dampen this enzyme’s function. Many studies are preliminary, but some compounds have entered clinical trials The researchers say that many of these studies are all still in the preliminary stages and further pre-clinical studies are needed to examine the antiviral effects of the compounds. “In the meanwhile, a great number of clinical trials have registered to investigate the potentials of natural product to halt disease progression,” says the team. One such trial is investigating the immunomodulatory and antiviral activity of Nigella sativaseed oil among adult patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Another trial is currently recruiting participants to study the effectiveness of vitamin C at reducing mortality among patients. What do the authors conclude? “It is undeniable that herbal medicine is still a promising resource for drug discovery, and its acceptable toxicity makes it a prospective prophylactic candidate against COVID-19,” write Chen and colleagues. In the face of this global health crisis, the team says that exploring prophylactics derived from herbal medicine likely represents a promising and practical approach to containing the pandemic. Natural products and herbal medicine have a long track record in treating respiratory infections and many have been approved as drugs or over-the-counter food additives, say the researchers. “Moderate dosing of such bioactive compounds may prevent or at least slow down the SARS-CoV-2 infection process,” they conclude. To read the original article click here.

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