Grapes: useful properties and contraindications

Grapes warmed by the warm southern sun have become one of the favorite delicacies generously given to mankind by nature. Its emerald green, white, black and maroon and dark blue berries captivate with their sweetness. They can relieve hunger, quench thirst and improve health. So where did the grape come from, and who discovered the berry?

Now no one will remember exactly who was the discoverer of this wonderful fruit. The Romans thank the god Saturn, who planted the first vine. But the Bible gives the palm to Noah, who gave birth to a new era of mankind and gave grapes to the world. The biblical legend says that the first person to discover this plant was...a goat! It was the goat that found the grapevine and ate the leaves, which intoxicated her very quickly. Thus, as the proverb says, the grapevine became known to mankind, and it was Armenia that became the birthplace of the grapevine.

Scientists have found out that the plant was already known in the Cretaceous period. It was cultivated by the Egyptians, the ancient Greeks and the Romans. And all of them praised and glorified this wonderful fruit.

Grapes are a plant of genus lianas. Its shoots can reach up to 5m in length. The fruit is rounded or elongated. The color can be green, yellow, blue, black, and burgundy. Currently there are more than seventy species, but the most popular by right is considered a "cultivated" species, the fruits of which are consumed in food.

Composition and calories

Grapes - a berry is not only tasty, but also useful. About its unique composition can be judged by the substances that are contained in the miraculous fruit:

• potassium;
• manganese;
• magnesium;
• aluminum;
• cobalt;
• nickel;
• bromine;
• chromium;
• zinc;
• silicon;
• vitamins A, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, C, H, K, P;
• pectin substances;
• amino acids;
• cystine;
• glycine;
• tannins;
• phlobaphenes;
• vanillin;
• lecithin.

There are 72 kcal, 0.6 g of protein, 0.6 g of fat, 15.5 g of carbohydrates, 80.4 g of water and 0.6 g of ash per 100 g of fruit.

The scientific community believes that it is necessary to eat about 70 kg of berries a year, but, unfortunately, people consume only about 30 kg. Of course, this is an average data, but experts believe that humanity could be much healthier if it increases the consumption of the "divine" fruit.

What are the benefits of grapes

General benefits

The unique plant brings a person not only the pleasure of taste, but also helps to strengthen health in a natural way, saturating the body with important vitamins, acids and other useful substances. By the way, not only the fruit itself, but also the seeds, leaves and the vine itself are useful. Their properties are similar to each other and can bring the following benefits:

• Normalization of the work of the gastrointestinal tract;
• Regulation of metabolic processes, diuretic function, the nervous system;
• Improvement of the general tone and performance;
• Relieving symptoms of fatigue;
• normalization of the cardiovascular system;
• Strengthening of the walls of blood vessels;
• antioxidant effect;
• cancer prevention;
• normalization of hemoglobin levels;
• improvement of the skin;
• strengthening of hair, nails, bone skeleton;
• help in anemia;
• stimulation of the heart muscle.

All this makes grapes a true miracle of nature, able to restore strength and reward good health.

For women

For the female body, the magical plant is simply necessary, because it is able to solve many problems of beauties and provide the following benefits:

1. Preserving the youthfulness of the skin and restoring its elasticity thanks to the essential oils.
2. Reduction of body weight.
3. Increase sexual desire, as it is a naturally occurring aphrodisiac.
4. Improvement during menopause because it contains substances close to female oestrogen.
5. Improvement of the nervous system, protection from stress and depression.
6. Prevention of skin cancer, as the fruit significantly reduces the harmful effects of the sun on the skin.
7. Prevention and help in the treatment of breast cancer.

On this basis, ladies should definitely consume the delicious berry and thereby improve their health and appearance!

For men

Men are also not left out of the beneficial effects of the plant. Grapes are designed to bring the following benefits to the male body:

1. Improvement of the work of the brain.
2. Improvement of the immune system.
3. Elimination of symptoms and combating alcohol or drug intoxication.
4. Increased expectoration of sputum in chronic coughs in men who abuse smoking tobacco products.
5. Stimulation of the work of the heart muscle.
6. Treatment of male infertility due to the content of lycopene, a natural antioxidant.
7. The main thing for the stronger half is to maintain potency and preserve the sexual functions of the male body.

So, men, as well as women, in order to improve their health, should introduce this magical berry into their diet.

If you are pregnant.

During pregnancy, expectant mothers should not give up the pleasure of enjoying their favorite grape fruits. They improve eyesight, normalize metabolic processes, weight, blood clotting, reduce stress, help the correct formation of the genetic apparatus and nervous system of the baby, stimulate muscle contractions, cleanse the liver from harmful substances, relieve fatigue and bouts of nausea during toxicosis, restore energy, gently eliminate constipation, thin the blood.

But grapes should not be abused in any case! Because of the large amount of glucose that serves as food for the future person, there is a possible risk of fetal weight gain, which may lead to a difficult delivery. So, it is quite possible and necessary to eat grapes during the period of childbirth, but not by crates and kilograms!

When breastfeeding

Grape lovers should refrain from eating grapes during lactation for the first three months after the birth of the baby. After you can introduce the product into the diet, but it is better to start with fresh juice, diluted with water in a ratio of 1:1, to avoid allergies and cramps in the baby. If the reaction of the baby is not observed, then in four days you can eat 4-5 berries and also look at the reaction of the baby. Doctors advise nursing moms to eat no more than 100 grams of grapes at a time, and to eat no more than two or three times a week. This will help to avoid negative effects on the growing body and will benefit the mother.

For children

Babies also love grape berries, just like adults. But it is necessary to know some rules that should be observed when introducing children to the useful deliciousness:

1. The first intake of fruit should not start before the age of three.
2. The first time it is better to offer juice diluted with water, but no more than two tablespoons.
3. At first, you should limit yourself to three or four berries.
4. Before using, you need to remove the skin from the berry and offer it to your child.
5. At the beginning it is better to choose varieties with no grape seeds.
6. Grapes are contraindicated to infants with diabetes, kidney failure or stomach disorders!

Can I eat grapes while losing weight?

People who follow a diet aimed at weight loss, it is possible and even necessary to eat grapes, but in small amounts. This is due to the high caloric content of the product, the presence of glucose, fructose and monosaccharides. It is these components contribute to weight gain, not weight loss. But if you develop a proper diet and consume a small amount of fruit, grapes are able to fight excess weight due to resveratrol, an antioxidant that burns fat on its own.

Also grapes can saturate the body with all the useful micronutrients, which in the process of losing weight is not enough. Another berry normalizes the gastrointestinal tract, fights stress and depression. It also reduces the chance of "breakdowns", which are often seen in thinners, as it is quite nutritious and perfectly copes with a sense of hunger. At the same time, it does not strain the digestive organs. In addition, if you rub grape seeds in places where there is cellulite, then you can get rid of this problem very quickly. Therefore, grapes can be consumed during the diet, but it is still necessary to observe a measure!

Useful properties of different grapes

Naturally, the grapes have great benefits for the human body, but each variety has its own characteristics and its own separate targeting.

Black and blue

These varieties are called those berries, which have a darker shade of color. Most of these varieties have a pleasant sourness, but it is these varieties that experts consider the most useful for health, because they contain about three hundred different compounds that are beneficial to the human body. It is possible to distinguish the following features of the variety and its targeted action:

• increase hemoglobin;
• improvement of memory;
• strengthening of connective tissue;
• minimum burden on the digestive organs;
• blood purification;
• excretion of toxins;
• strengthening of the nervous system;
• reduction of cholesterol levels due to the presence of pterostilbene.

And, as well, the dark and blue varieties of grapes have the highest content of resveratrol, compared with other varieties, which helps to burn fat and slow down the aging process.

It is worth noting that the dark grapes are used to produce the noblest varieties of wine, which captivate many connoisseurs of the drink with its bouquet and flavor.

Green

Green fruits are as useful as the berries of all other varieties. Their exceptional peculiarity lies in the direction of their beneficial effects on the female body. Green grapes are well proven in the prevention of breast cancer, which is fought by vegetable dyes and proanthocyanidins, contained in the green varieties. In addition, the presence of catechins improves metabolism, enhances immunity, cancer prevention, reduces cholesterol plaques, and normalizes the microflora in the mouth.

Red

These varieties are most appreciated among grape lovers, because they have a pronounced muscat taste. The benefits of reds are:

• improvement of brain activity;
• normalization of intestinal microflora;
• reduce the risk of obesity;
• improve metabolism, vision and reduce the risk of retinal detachment.

It is worth highlighting its ability to normalize blood pressure, renew liver tissue, and resist the aging process. All these features are due to the presence of polyphenols, which no other grape variety contains.

White

White bunches are considered the most beautiful fruits. Their taste is as multifaceted as their hues. It is believed that the first grapes were dark in color, and the white variety was formed due to less production of anthocyanins, which allowed it to acquire lighter tones. This did not affect such useful properties of the berries in any way:

1. Prevention of acidification of the body.
2. Reducing the risk of developing urolithiasis.
3. The ability to accelerate the healing process in cystitis.
4. Treatment and prevention of anemia.
5. Ability to eliminate cholesterol due to the maximum, compared with other varieties, the content of fiber.
6. Treatment and prevention of anemia.
7. Reduced risk of tooth decay after consuming sweet grapes.

Muscat

This variety is further subdivided into pink and white. Pink nutmeg is typically used in the wine industry. Its delightful notes give an exquisite sound and harmony of taste, color and aroma to the spirits. It has a positive effect on the urogenital system, prevents the appearance of stones, has a diuretic effect.

As for the white variety of nutmeg, its main characteristic is the presence of almost all the vitamins of group B. In this regard, it has an excellent effect on the nervous system, helping to normalize it, fights cancer and prevents the aging process.

Kishmish

The most affordable and the most popular grape variety. In addition, it is also less allergenic unlike other grape varieties. It contains slightly less useful substances than its "brothers", but this does not cancel its properties:

• improvement of hematopoiesis;
• prevention of anemia;
• raising the general tone;
• rapid saturation of the body;
• Improvement of the gastrointestinal tract;
• Prevention of cardiovascular diseases and thrombophlebitis;
• protection against atherosclerosis;
• increase hemoglobin.

It is important to note that this particular variety helps quite well to cope with the symptoms of angina, bronchitis and colds, improving the well-being of the person and speeding up his recovery. Kishmish is also advised to give children, as its soft skin and the absence of seeds is a definite plus for inclusion in children's menus.

The benefits of grape leaves

As mentioned earlier, grapes are not only sweet berries, but also useful and sometimes delicious parts of the whole plant.

Leaves are light green to dark green in color with distinct veins. The leaf shape is solid or divided into parts. They contain a large amount of flavonoids and organic acids, choline, betaine, phylloquinone, selenium, potassium, phosphorus, copper, zinc, carotene, tannins. Due to these constituents, the leaves have their medicinal power, aimed at:

• to normalize the cardiovascular system;
• increase of mental activity;
• preventing the development of age-related brain changes;
• excretion of toxic substances;
• improvement of hematopoiesis;
• normalization of intestinal peristalsis;
• elimination of constipation;
• activation of the immune system;
• Improvement of the reproductive system in women and men;
• preservation of youth.

Grape leaves are used both in medicine (all kinds of teas, infusions, decoctions and tinctures) and in cooking. For example, one of the most famous dishes is dolma, which conquered the taste of more than one gourmet's heart.

It should also be noted that people suffering from diabetes, obesity, heart or kidney failure, cholelithiasis and urolithiasis, bronchial asthma, cancer, as well as pregnant (third trimester) and breastfeeding use the leaves as food or medicine should only be consulted with a specialist!

Are grape seeds useful?

People who monitor their health should not ignore such a product as grape seeds. It is they contain a large number of useful substances that can influence the improvement of human health.

Grape seeds contain vitamin E, vanillin, tannins, flobaphenes, lecithin, 20% of total essential oil, calcium, potassium, antioxidants, phytoestrogens. All these constituents help to cope with circulatory disorders, respiratory infections, respiratory diseases, GI tract, liver and musculoskeletal system. They also increase immunity.

In addition, it is the seeds that help women get rid of unpleasant symptoms of menopause. Kernels are used to make oil, infusions, various drinks, as well as in cosmetology as a means that can prevent the aging of the skin. But their overuse can have a negative impact on the intestinal mucosa, exacerbate chronic gastrointestinal diseases and cause allergies. Therefore, it is certainly necessary to use them, but it is worth knowing the measure. For example, the oil should not take more than 1 tsp. a day, and the seeds can be added to tea in the amount of 1 teaspoon, but no more than three times a day.

Grape oil: benefits and uses

Since ancient times, mankind has appreciated the incredible benefits of grape oil. A century ago, scientists studied the oil's composition and found it to contain a unique concentration of beneficial substances, among them:

• protein;
• vitamins A, B, C, PP, E, PP;
• procyanidin;
• trace elements;
• fatty acids;
• antioxidants;
• natural chlorophyll.

All this makes the oil a miracle cure that can help a person in the struggle for a healthy existence. It is able to:

• saturate the body with beneficial vitamins and minerals;
• normalize the nervous and cardiovascular systems;
• improve the condition of the skin;
• strengthen the immune system;
• Prevent aging processes of the body;
• fight inflammation of various kinds;
• to reduce pressure;
• improve blood circulation;
• Contribute to the regeneration of skin cells;
• normalize the menstrual cycle;
• Fight varicose veins, hemorrhoids, cholecystitis, hepatitis, female infertility;
• cope with prostatitis, adenoma, infertility, prostate cancer.

The oil is useful not only for adults, but also for the little inhabitants of our planet, from the age of one year (in an amount of two drops).

In cosmetology, the oil is used as a base product, suitable for all skin types, and as an auxiliary component in many products. It is used for making masks, aftershave lotions, hair care products, nail care products, face, hands, neck, cleavage area, for making soaps, aromatherapy, as a lip balm and sunscreen.

In cooking, the oil has also found wide application. It has a pleasant flavor and nutty aroma. With its help cook fish, meat, salads, vegetables, mayonnaise, sauces. Also, a miracle product is added to other vegetable oils to extend their shelf life.

That is why grape seed oil is considered one of the most valuable grape products.

Grape juice: benefits and harms

All products that are created from grapes have useful properties. The juice obtained from the fruit of the plant is no exception. It contains:

• vitamins of the group B, K, A, E;
• calcium;
• potassium;
• iodine;
• iron.

Its caloric value is 70 kcal per 100 g of product. Naturally, only natural freshly squeezed juice has this content, not the one that can be found on the shelves of grocery supermarkets.

The useful properties of juice are as follows:

• Prevention of cardiovascular diseases;
• elimination of mucus from the lungs;
• prevention of respiratory diseases;
• diuretic effect;
• normalization of sleep and the nervous system;
• improvement of memory;
• elimination of symptoms of cold infections;
• normalization of the male reproductive system;
• excretion of toxins;
• normalization of metabolism;
• beneficial effect on the formation of the neural tube of the fetus;
• regulation of hemoglobin levels;
• relief of toothache;
• treatment of gout.

The juice is also used in cosmetology. It is able to cleanse and moisturize the skin, fight aging, shrink pores, remove age spots, freckles, and heal wounds.

But despite the rather large list of useful properties, the juice has its own contraindications. It should not be consumed by people

• with ulcers;
• Diabetes mellitus;
• gastritis;
• Chronic kidney disease;
• tooth decay;
• obesity.

Grape vinegar: benefits and uses

This is another product derived from the wonderful plant. Grape vinegar is made from the pulp, which is mixed with water and sugar. This mixture must ferment for several months and then vinegar is obtained. It contains antioxidants, vitamin C, manganese, potassium, magnesium, iron salts, fluorine. The product comes in several varieties:

• red;
• balsamic;
• white;
• wine;
• sherry;
• champagne.

The prepared product is used to fight seasonal viral infections, increase immunity, improve appetite, speed up metabolism, normalize the cardiovascular system, preserve youth and longevity.

To prevent disease, vinegar is taken internally, mixing it with a glass of water and 1 tsp. honey (vinegar should also take 1 tsp.). The drug should be taken once a day on an empty stomach. The course is not more than three weeks.

Vinegar is also used as an ingredient for lotions and compresses (for example, to relieve high body temperature).

Vinegar is also used in cosmetology to create unique products to maintain youth, strengthen the nails, maintain the health of the hair and scalp, to combat seborrhea.

Thus, you should not neglect grape vinegar, but rather use it for the benefit of health and beauty.

Grapes in medicine

Naturally, physicians, who every day fight for the health of their patients, could not ignore the unique composition and properties of grapes. Its ability to heal the human body, to fight diseases of the heart, respiratory organs, urogenital system, to improve blood circulation, vision, memory, to promote the prevention of cancer, to strengthen the immune system and nervous system, to improve metabolism, to normalize the gastrointestinal tract - all this could not hide from the medical community. That is why grapes and products from it are widely used in the field of medicine.

In case of diabetes

As is known, grapes are rich in glucose, which means that patients with a diagnosis of "diabetes" need to strictly control its consumption, coordinating this with his doctor. However, you should not refuse to eat this tasty treat at all. Grapes contain phytosterol, which prevents the development of atherosclerosis and protects the heart and blood vessels. These diseases are especially common in diabetics, so in small doses grapes will be beneficial.

Important: The glycemic index of grapes is 40 units.

In pancreatitis.

With this diagnosis, you should refuse to eat sweet berries in the case of exacerbation, because apple, oxalic, citric acids contained in fruits can cause even more irritation of the mucosa. Fiber can also cause diarrhea and increase flatulence. In addition, the body in this disease can not cope with glucose and fructose, which are so rich in grapes.

In the absence of insulin deficiency and outside the period of exacerbation the daily dose of consumed grapes is not more than fifteen berries.

Juice is also forbidden, but raisins, outside of exacerbations, can be used as an additive to a main dish (e.g. porridge).

For gastritis

Doctors forbid patients suffering from gastritis with hyperacidity to eat grapes, even in the remission stage. The fact is that it promotes acidity, and for patients with this kind of disease it is twice as dangerous.

Those who have reduced acidity can eat grapes at a quiet stage, but preferably in the form of freshly squeezed juice diluted with water, because it doesn't contain peels and seeds, which can provoke an attack of aggravation. The norm of daily consumption should be prescribed by a doctor, and only then grapes can be included in the patient's diet.

For the intestines

The consumption of grapes quite positively affects the work of the intestines:

• The process of excretion of toxins and other harmful substances is accelerated;
• Eliminates constipation and painful defecation;
• Improves microflora.

But people suffering from flatulence and chronic diarrhea are advised to refrain from eating berries, because they will lead to an increase in symptoms and may cause more harm than good.

For constipation

When the process of defecation is difficult, doctors recommend consuming a bunch of grapes daily or drinking 3 glasses a day of freshly squeezed berry juice before a meal. This will naturally speed up defecation and thereby normalize bowel function. It is better to use seasonal grapes, i.e. do not buy them for medicinal purposes in winter and spring. Such berries are treated with special solutions and contain harmful substances that can negate the beneficial effects of the wonderful fruit. Juice should also not be bought in the store, because it contains not so much vitamins as sugar and can be very dangerous to health. Therefore, in winter it is better to use raisins.

In gout

Gout is characterized by urea deposits on the joints and tendons. Grapes perfectly copes with its elimination and can fight the disease naturally. But if a person diagnosed with gout suffers from obesity, then it is contraindicated to drink juice and fruit of grapes rich in fructose and glucose. That is why only a competent specialist will determine the possibility of consuming fruits and their amount. In addition, if grapes are still acceptable, you should give preference to the white varieties, because they are less allergenic, and consume no more than a handful of fruit per day and give up fatty foods.

As for grape oil, it can be used as an ingredient in compresses and lotions. Such remedies relieve pain and slow down the inflammatory process. But it is not recommended to use it in pure form. It is better to dilute it with eucalyptus or lavender oils.

In colitis

In such a disease as colitis, the use of grapes is under strict prohibition. This is due to the fact that the inflamed mucosa can not digest food containing a lot of fiber, and grapes have plenty of it. In addition, a frequent companion of colitis is intestinal dysbacteriosis. Fruit sugar contained in fruits, inhibits the reproduction process of harmful bacteria and thus kills the rest of the useful intestinal microflora.

For the liver

Grapes have an excellent choleretic property, so experts recommend its use in diseases of the liver. He gently cleanses it and promotes cell regeneration. It is used both raw and dried (raisins). Specialists have confirmed a positive effect in the fight against chronic hepatitis, elevated bilirubin, functional disorders of the liver. The fruit is used for the prevention and maintenance of such a vital organ as the liver.

When hemorrhoids

With hemorrhoids, it is important not to allow flatulence and bloating. On this basis, doctors do not recommend patients to consume the fruit of grapes, because they can cause and aggravate these disorders. But constipation is also dangerous for the inflamed rectum, so the use of grapes may be allowed by the doctor, but in a strictly recommended dose.

In cholecystitis.

Grapes, rich in organic acids, vitamins and minerals, have a positive effect on the treatment of cholecystitis. It removes excess cholesterol, prevents clogging of blood vessels, has choleretic and diuretic effects. Doctors recommend including the ripe fruits of the plant in your diet, but do not abuse them, because. They cause fermentation, and this can lead to undesirable consequences and complications of cholecystitis.

Grapes in cosmetology

In ancient times, women used only natural materials to create products that can preserve youth and beauty. Herbs and roots, vegetables and fruits - all these things were used by ancient beauties. Their recipes have survived until today.

One of the remedies with a unique composition capable of rejuvenating the skin, smoothing its surface, dealing with age spots, narrowing pores, preventing the aging process, strengthening the nails and taking care of the hair, was grapes.

Today the plant is widely used in cosmetology to make preparations aimed at improving and preserving female beauty.

But it is not necessary to rush to the store or pharmacy to buy expensive cosmetics using grape ingredients. There are recipes that are quite possible to prepare at home.

For the face

Grape Cleansing Lotion
You will need:

• Freshly squeezed juice of red grapes with seeds - 200 ml;
• salt - 3 gr;
• liquid honey - 10 gr;
• vodka.

Before proceeding to the preparation of the magical elixir, the juice must infuse at least two hours, so that the grains shared their magical properties. After that, strain the liquid and mix it with salt and honey. After that, pour the remedy into dark glass bottles and add vodka. Its quantity is calculated as follows: 50 ml of vodka per 200 ml of the basic liquid. Such a tonic is stored in the refrigerator, but no more than one month. It should be wiped over the face after washing to lift, cleanse and soothe the face, neck and decollete skin.

Rejuvenating face mask
You will need:

• Dark grapes - 1 medium bunch;
• 30% sour cream - 15 gr.

Mix the components and apply the composition to the face. Rinse off with lukewarm water after 20 minutes.

For oily skin
Ingredients:

• dark grape juice - 10 ml;
• olive oil - 5 ml;
• 1 egg white.

Mix all the ingredients and apply to the face for 15 minutes. Then wash off the mask with cool water. If you use such a remedy regularly, you will soon be able to say goodbye to oily shine and enlarged pores.

For Hair

Nourishing mask for every hair type
Ingredients:

• grapes - 1 bunch;
• burdock oil - 3 tbsp;
• Honey - 3 tbsp.

Squeeze the juice from the grapes. Heat a mixture of honey and oil in a water bath and combine with juice. The resulting product is applied to the hair along its length and cover the head with a towel. Keep the composition for 30 minutes, and then wash your head with a gentle shampoo.

Restore dry hair
For the mask will need:

• boneless grapes - 100 g;
• 2 egg yolks.

Beat grape pulp and yolks with a blender on low speed. Apply the mixture to the scalp and distribute the rest of the mixture on the hair. Sustain for no more than one hour and wash out with normal shampoo.

Strengthening mask for oily hair
Ingredients:

• grapes - 100 g;
• grape juice - 100 gr;
• egg white - 2 pieces.

Mix all the ingredients and apply the mixture to the hair. Leave it for an hour, and then rinse with warm water, but in no case with hot water, because the protein curdles because of high temperature.

Harm and contraindications

Despite a fairly impressive list of useful substances and beneficial effects on almost all human functions and organs, grapes have their own contraindications. The fruit is contraindicated for use in the following cases:

• Increased acidity in the stomach;
• disorders of intestinal function;
• diabetes;
• hypertension;
• children under 3 years of age;
• allergies;
• cavities;
• ulcer disease;
• hemorrhoids;
• colitis.

Of course, for some diseases the use of grapes is allowed, but in strictly defined by the doctor norms.

Symptoms of grape allergy

Unfortunately, not all people are allowed to enjoy sweet grape berries. Some can not afford this pleasure due to the presence of food allergies. Grapes are indeed an allergenic berry. The reasons:

1. A large number of beneficial substances that can be allergy provocateurs.
2. Short shelf life and rapid reproduction of pathogenic bacteria, which, when ingested by the human body, affect the development of allergies.
3. Mold fungus.
4. Pesticides and chemicals used by producers to increase the preservation of the product.
5. Genetic predisposition.

To recognize a food allergy to grapes, you should pay attention to such symptoms:

• constipation;
• diarrhea;
• nausea;
• vomiting;
• increased gassiness;
• itching;
• Red spots all over the body;
• rash;
• skin flaking;
• allergic runny nose characterized by uncontrollable bouts of sneezing;
• redness of the mucous membrane of the eye;
• Increased lacrimation.

In severe cases anaphylactic reaction may be observed (difficulty in breathing, swelling of the face and lips).

If a person after consuming grapes found the following signs of allergy, then you should immediately take an antihistamine drug and consult a doctor, as well as stop taking berries.

How to choose and store grapes

For grapes to share their magical properties, you need to choose it correctly. For the fruit to enjoy their taste as long as possible, you should know the subtleties of their storage.

So, before the ripe bunches get into the grocery basket, you need to pay attention to the following nuances:

1. First, decide on a variety and choose it depending on the purpose and preferences.
2. Next, shake the bunch - a ripe twig is sure to drop a few berries.
3. Inspect the grapes. The tail should be green in color. The clusters should be large, and the fruits themselves are even with no signs of rot, dents and cracks.
4. Also you should know that when buying grapes it is better to choose the one that is farthest from the buyers, because in front of the grapes they want to get rid of as quickly as possible.
5. The quality of the grapes can be "told" by wasps swirling over the boxes of grapes. This fact means that the grapes are of excellent quality.
6. If you want to try grapes in the store, although experts do not recommend this, it is worth tasting the berries at the very bottom, because it is the bottom fruits ripen later than the top ones.
7. It is better to buy those varieties that have grown as close to the place of sale as possible. In this case, the probability of their treatment with harmful substances is minimal.

If you choose the right grapes, then on the table will appear a delicious and useful delicacy, able to generously share its healing power.

But there are situations when it is not possible to eat the magic berries at once. In this case, you need to know the rules of storage of grapes:

1. In the refrigerator, grapes wrapped with a cloth napkin should be stored on the bottom shelf. Such bunches can be stored for 2 weeks, but only if all diseased and spoiled fruits have been removed before storage.
2. If the grapes are stored indoors, it is better to hang the bunches to avoid them coming into contact with the surface.
3. You can also separate the fruit from the twig and place them in a jar of water, removing the bad berries beforehand. In the refrigerator, this method of storage will help to extend the life of up to two months.
4. It is not advisable to wash the grapes before storing them.
5. Before using, the grapes should be rinsed first with salted and then with running clean water.
6. It is also possible to keep the berries fresh and on shelves, the height between which should be 25 cm. With this option, it is important that the shelves be dry and clean, covered with paper or cellophane. Fruits should be covered with straw ash to avoid the growth of harmful bacteria.
7. In crates and barrels the fruits can be stored for a month, but the container should be covered with sawdust, grass or paper, and the fruit should be placed in a single layer.

Can I freeze grapes?

In addition, grapes perfectly tolerate freezing. Its shelf life in the freezer is about 7 months. The best grapes for such storage are dark sorts, though light ones can be frozen, too. The fruit should be placed in a plastic bag or wrapped in cling film. Then place them in the refrigerator for 3 hours and only then put them in the freezer.

The grapes can be thawed either by putting them in the refrigerator for about 20 hours, or by using warm water, but in no case use the "services" of a microwave oven, as this kills all the useful substances.

How to Dry

Raisins are one of the most popular delicacies on the planet. It is widely used in the preparation of various dishes, tinctures, decoctions, etc. To enjoy the taste of this healthy sweetness, it is not necessary to go to the market at all. You can dry the grapes yourself.

To dry in the sun, the berries are laid out in a single layer on a frequent lattice or plywood and covered with gauze cloth. The sun itself will do all the work, and when the fruits get an amber color - raisins will be ready!

You can also use the oven. For this method, large berries with a dense skin are suitable. The whole process takes two to three days. Grapes are dried at 55 degrees. The oven must be turned on at intervals. On the last day of drying, the temperature should be 35 degrees.

Electric dryer is a great way to dry grapes at home. The duration is twelve hours. To do this, the berries must be carefully washed, dried with a cloth towel and placed in a container in a single layer. Dry for 12 hours, with 3 hours to dry - 2 hours to rest, etc.

Store the dried fruit in cloth bags or paper envelopes.

How to eat grapes properly

When you want to eat grapes, then for maximum health benefits you need to know the rules of its consumption:

1. The berries should be eaten with the skin.
2. The best time is in the morning hours.
3. Consume between meals: one hour before or after a meal.
4. After eating berries, experts recommend rinsing your mouth with water or taking a few sips of tea to avoid the development of cavities.

How much you can eat per day

Experts believe that 200 g of ripe fruits - this is the optimal daily dose for an adult. But still it is worth to be guided by the individual characteristics of the person. After all, someone uses half a kilo of berries daily and feels great!

Is it possible to eat grapes at night and on an empty stomach?

The consumption of grapes at bedtime will not benefit the body, but will only add extra pounds. In addition, the diuretic effect and fermentation processes can disrupt sweet sleep with urges to the toilet.

It is worth noting that grapes should not be consumed on an empty stomach, because the balance of nutrients in the body will be disturbed and the risk of cardiovascular disease will appear. Therefore, it is better to eat breakfast and an hour later eat the fruit.

Is it possible to eat grapes with seeds

Grape kernels are perfectly digested and absorbed by the human body. In addition, they are incredibly useful. But you should not swallow them in their whole form. Before use, they are crushed and made into a powder that will both treat and restore the body. But if you still swallow a couple or three berries with the seeds, then nothing terrible will happen! People with atherosclerosis, problems of the digestive tract, increased gas, diabetes, dental problems and allergies should not eat grape seeds.

Can I eat wild grapes

Wild or maiden grape grows almost everywhere in the southern regions. Its fruits are characterized by a smaller size, rounded shape and sour taste. Grapes of this variety are not intended for food, although they are not inferior in useful properties to their cultivated counterpart. Wild grapes are popular in medicine and cosmetology, they are used to make vinegars and decoctions, and they are also used as hedges on garden plots. It is possible to be poisoned by it, but only if you eat a lot of it. Therefore, you should not take the risk, and it is better to use it by prescription of a doctor as infusions and tinctures.

What can be cooked from grapes: recipes

Sweet and juicy grapes have found their application not only in medicine and cosmetology, but also in cooking. There are many recipes for dishes, where it plays an important role.

Wine

To know the taste of grape wine, you do not need to run to the store. You can make delicious grape wine at home.

Ingredients:

• The fruits of dark grapes - 10 kg;
• sugar - we need 50 to 200 g per liter of juice (depending on variety);
• water - about 500 ml per 1 liter of juice (only if the juice will be sour).

Preparation:

1. Pick berries in dry weather. Do not wash. Remove twigs and spoiled fruit.
2. Crush each berry, without damaging the seeds, until a pulp is formed and put all together in an enamel bowl so that the volume is filled to ¾.
3. Cover the vessel with a cloth, put it in a light-deprived place with a temperature of 18 to 27 degrees for three or four days.
4. After 8-20 hours, the fermentation process begins, resulting in a "blanket" of skin on the surface. It should be knocked down up to twice a day, and the contents stirred by hand or with a wooden stick.
5. After 3 or 4 days, when a sour aroma appears, and the mash has acquired a lighter shade, you should collect all the skin, squeeze it, and filter the resulting juice several times through a thick gauze.
6. Fill the glass vessels with the clean juice by about 70 percent.
7. Then put on the container an ordinary medical glove, pierced in one place with a needle. The temperature for fermentation is from 22 to 28 degrees.
8. Add sugar every three to four days. Pour some wort into a separate container, stir in the sugar and pour it back into the bottle. In the beginning, the sugar will quickly begin to dissolve, and the wort will taste sour. In the latter stages, the sweetness will linger longer and longer, which means stopping its addition. For every liter of juice you need to take 50 grams of sugar. The whole process usually takes two to four weeks.
9. When the glove is deflated, you should get ready to pour the wine. Put the container with the young wine on an elevated position and place one end of a rubber hose there, and put the other end into a clean wine container.
10. If you need to add sugar, you should expect to add no more than 250 g per liter of wine. Stir the sugar first with a small amount of the product, and then add it to the base.
11. Cover the container with a lid and put it in a cool place at a temperature of 5 to 16 degrees for 60 to 90 days.
12. When the sediment stops settling, the wine is bottled and corked. It can be stored for five years.

Chacha

The hospitable southern regions are famous for their grape vodka or chacha.

Ingredients:

• Rkatsiteli grapes - 15 kg;
• water (boiled or spring water) - 15 liters;
• sugar - 5 kg.

Preparation:

1. Unwashed grapes knead with your hands, without separating from the ridges. Pour water.
2. Add the sugar. It is better if you first mix it with a part of the water and warm it up a little.
3. Put a trap or a medical glove with a hole in it, and put it in a warm place. The temperature should not exceed thirty degrees.
4. Once every two days stir the brew.
5. When the taste becomes bitter and the color light, filter it through gauze from the cake and pour it into the distillation cube. Distill the resulting moonshine again.
6. Then dilute the moonshine to 20% alcohol content and distill again.
7. Pour out the first 10-12%, as it is not usable. The final product should be 40% in the stream.
8. Dilute the chacha with water to a strength of 40 degrees and leave in the refrigerator for two days. After that, the product is ready for consumption.

Juice

It is easiest to make juice with a juicer or juicer, but you can do without them.

Ingredients:

• grapes - 5 kg;
• sugar - to taste.

Crush the berries with your hands, and squeeze the cake through a fine sieve. The resulting liquid mixed with granulated sugar in a separate pan. Then pour the product into clean glass jars and sterilize for twenty minutes. After closing the jars, cool them and put them in a pantry.

Compote .

In sterilized jars put washed grapes to the middle of the vessel. Add sugar and spices to taste and pour boiling water. Jars should be immediately closed and cooled upside down, wrapped in a blanket.

Jam

Ingredients:

• 0.8 kg of grapes;
• 0.8 kg of sugar;
• ¾ cup water.

Process:

1. Wash and dry the fruit, remove the pips by cutting the berries into two pieces.
2. Transfer to a bowl and sprinkle with half the granulated sugar. Leave everything for one night.
3. The next morning, combine the remaining sugar with water and make a syrup over low heat.
4. Pour the grapes with the cooled syrup, and cook over low heat until it is completely cooked.
5. Pour the jam into containers and cover with parchment paper.

Jam

Before cooking it is worth clarifying that the jam is prepared in small portions, as the product can ferment after 9-10 months.

To make jam should take the grape berries and sugar in a ratio of 2:1. Fruits sprinkle with sugar and put on a low heat. After boiling, boil for another five minutes, and then cool. Then strain the mixture through a fine sieve, and then put on the fire and cook again. The jam will begin to boil out, and the product will thicken. It is recommended to pour a drop on a saucer, and if it does not drip, the jam is ready. It can be transferred to the prepared dishes and put in the refrigerator.

Jelly

You will need:

• 500 g grapes;
• ¼ tbsp. cinnamon;
• 3 cups boiling water;
• 1 tbsp. gelatin;
• 2/3 cup sugar.

Process:

1. Wash the berries, dry them and make juice with a juicer. You will need 150g of berries for decoration.
2. Mix the resulting juice with water in a ratio of 1:2 and add sugar. Adjust the sweetness to your own taste.
3. Then put on the fire and bring to a boil. Allow to cool and strain through gauze.
4. Dissolve gelatin in a glass of cold water and leave for 40 minutes to swell.
5. Next, heat the gelatin and combine with juice 1:2.
6. At the bottom of the crème de la crème put the fruit of the grapes and pour the resulting product.
7. Take it to the fridge for 2 hours.

Raisins

Needed:

• grapes;
• baking soda;
• water.

Process:

1. Pick and rinse the berries.
2. Pour water into a saucepan and add baking soda at a ratio of 1 tbsp. per liter of water. Boil it.
3. Put the prepared berries in a colander and dip them into the boiling water for three to five seconds, and then immediately put them into cold water.
4. Dry the berries, and put them out in the sun

After 20 to 30 days, transfer almost finished raisins to a box and let stand for 3 days. Arrange in cloth bags and store that way.

Vinegar

Ingredients:

• 1 kg of mash;
• 1 L of water;
• 100 g sugar.

Process:

1. Mix the pulp, water and sugar in a jar and cover it with a light cloth.
2. Put in a dark place for two weeks and keep the temperature between 22 and 27 degrees.
3. Stir the mixture every 10 hours.
4. When the liquid becomes clear and the sediment sinks to the bottom, pour the already ready vinegar into the prepared container.

Pickled grapes

For one liter jar will require:

• grapes - 300 g;
• water - 400 ml;
• 5% vinegar - 100 ml;
• sugar - 100 grams;
• salt - 2 tsp;
• Pepper blend - 3 pcs. of each type;
• cloves - 3 pcs;
• ground cinnamon - a pinch.

Process:

1. Place all the ingredients except the grapes in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
2. Fruits put into clean jars.
3. Pour the marinade berries.
4. Close with lid and sterilize for 20 minutes.

Is it possible to give grapes to animals

Grapes are good for people, but here it is categorically contraindicated for pets. Dogs should not be given it in any case, because grapes can cause disorders in the body, leading to death. Scientists believe that cats fall into the category of risk, but at this time it is not confirmed by studies. But it is still not worth the risk!

Interesting facts about grapes

1. The world leader in grape growing is France.
2. The oldest vine on the planet is in Slovenia and still produces a harvest.
3. About 600 berries are needed to make one bottle of wine.
4. The food additive E334 is tartaric acid.
5. Armenia considers grapes its symbol, but it is not officially recognized.
6. The skin of a grape is more useful than its flesh.

So, grapes are a gift of nature, capable of maintaining health, youth and beauty if used correctly!

Grape photo