Diet and Nutrition: Health Benefits of Grapes

Grapes are a go-to snack for picnics and lunchboxes, but don't take them for granted. For thousands of years, they've been used in some cultures as medicine. Each of these small fruits is loaded with over 1,600 compounds -- and many of them can help keep you healthy.

Grapes are a good source of potassium, a mineral that helps balance fluids in your body. Potassium can help bring down high blood pressure and lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. Most people don't get enough of this nutrient, so eating grapes can help fill the gap.

Grape seeds are rich in vitamin E, which helps your skin stay smooth and hydrated. Other compounds in grapes may help prevent acne and increase blood flow to your scalp for healthier hair.

You wouldn't think a fruit this sweet could help you drop some unwanted pounds, but grapes may do just that. A natural compound they contain appears to make it harder for your cells to store fat. It may also help fat cells in your body break up at a faster rate. Just be careful not to eat too many. One serving is 1/2 cup, or about 16 grapes.

Natural chemicals in grapes ease inflammation in your body and help protect your cells from damage. That's good news for your eyes. Studies show that a diet that includes grapes can prevent or delay common eye diseases like cataracts and glaucoma.

A compound in grapes called resveratrol can help shore up the immune system -- your body's defense against germs. More research needs to be done to find out exactly how it may help, but one day, you might see resveratrol in products to help heal wounds or prevent bacterial infections.

Resveratrol in grapes slows the breakdown of cells that naturally happens as you age. This may prevent harmful plaques from forming in your brain and slowing down how well it works.

The high water content in grapes can help your digestive system run more smoothly. Grapes are also full of insoluble fiber, which can lead to softer stools.

Grape skins are high in melatonin, a chemical that may improve your sleep. Studies show melatonin eases jet lag and insomnia, and may help steady your mood.

Grapes have a "low glycemic index," which means they don't raise your blood sugar too quickly. Because of that, they're a good fruit choice if you have diabetes. The polyphenols in purple grapes -- the compounds that give them their color -- may also help prevent type 2 diabetes.

Research shows antioxidants in grapes may prevent or delay the growth of cancer cells. Some cancers that they may protect you from include mouth, lung, throat, pancreas, prostate, and colon.

Some supplements have the same nutrients as grapes, but eating fresh fruit seems to give you the most health benefits. And while grape juice is good for you as well, try not to drink it too often. Juice is high in sugar, and you'll miss out on the dietary fiber that whole grapes have.

The amount of antioxidants in grapes depends on the variety, where they're grown, and how they're picked and processed. It's clear, though, that dark red and purple grapes contain more antioxidants than white or green types.

Red wine can have health benefits, too. But don't overdo it. Men shouldn't drink more than 2 servings of alcohol each day. Women should stick to one. And if you don't drink alcohol, don't start now. You can easily enjoy fresh grapes and get health benefits from them, instead.