Grape juice: useful properties and contraindications

Grape juice is liked by many people. As in the case of apple juice, you can get different juice in taste and color, using for its preparation a great many varieties. It can be sweet or sour, red, pink or white - to suit any taste.

Composition and calories

Grape juice has a very complex chemical composition - you can find organic acids, vitamins, useful minerals and sugars in it. All this accumulates not only in the pulp, but also in the skin and seeds, so it is important to use the whole grape for juice.

The skin of grapes contains pectin, essential oils, and tannins, which are so valuable for problems with the gastrointestinal tract. A large amount of phenolic compounds can protect the body from many problems. Grape seeds have long been used to prepare oils and medicines that support the cardiovascular system. The seeds contain powerful antioxidants - quercetins and catechins. The pulp itself is very rich in vitamins C, K and B. Dietary fiber is also beneficial to the body, as well as minerals - potassium, copper and manganese.

The caloric value of the juice is low - 100 calories per 100 grams of juice. Thanks to the inherent sweetness of some types of berries juice does not require the addition of sugar, which greatly affects the final caloric value of the drink. Honey or mint can bring health benefits and improve the taste. Thanks to them, the taste will be refreshing and truly summery.

How is grape juice useful?

General benefits

Studies of grape juice and its benefits for the human body are still being conducted, with new therapeutic properties being discovered each time. But it is already proven that drinking grape juice can help people cope with many problems.

Reducing the risk of cancer cells
Antioxidants help repair cells damaged by free radicals. These radicals are harmful to the body, causing oxidative processes in the body that contribute to cancer in the future. Antioxidants block these radicals and stop oxidative processes that have already occurred. This also reduces the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

The greatest amount of antioxidants is found in the pips and skin, so you need to use them when you cook them - just don't peel the grapes. Red varieties are especially rich in them.

Resveratrol, a phenolic compound, has a special effect on cancer cells as a preventive agent against cancer. Its principle of action is the same as that of antioxidants - it blocks free radicals. To help him it is worth allocating catechins and quartzetin - flavonoids, which have the properties of antioxidants.

Benefits for the heart and blood vessels
A high potassium content will help maintain normal blood pressure levels, and this trace element in grape juice is 6% of the daily requirement of the body. Large amounts of polyphenols help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

It is scientifically proven that it is the lack of potassium that leads to high blood pressure and heart disease, with strokes in the lead.

Reducing cholesterol levels
Many compounds in grape juice reduce the accumulation of cholesterol in the body, so that over time, its level decreases to the optimal level. Red grape juices are particularly helpful, as they contain resveratrol, which helps to lower blood cholesterol.

Normalize blood sugar levels
The same resveratrol increases the body's sensitivity to insulin, thus lowering blood sugar levels. Many studies have shown that regular consumption of grapes and grape products has been shown to lower blood sugar levels.

Improved vision
Flavonoids have an antioxidant effect, increasing levels of protective proteins in the retina. And the ability to block free radicals minimizes the risk of cataracts and other problems that can affect eye health. Resveratrol can help protect against glaucoma.

Help in the fight against headaches
Grape juice can be an effective treatment for headaches. The antioxidants, riboflavin and phytonutrients it contains can help reduce the signs of migraine. All the same components will help to cope with the signs of a hangover.

Reducing the risk of kidney disease
Grape juice can reduce the possibility of developing kidney disease because it has a diuretic property, while helping to remove uric acid. Because of this, the acidity in the urinary system is lowered, as is the risk of kidney stones.

Boosting the immune system
Grape juice has a large amount of vitamins C, A and K - this is the group of vitamins, the use of which contributes to strengthening the immune system, increases the body's defense against the effects of bacteria and viruses.

Improvement of the brain
Grape juice contains a large amount of B vitamins that help improve brain function. This manifests itself in increased concentration and improved memory. And vitamins A and C increase mood and give a feeling of alertness, which also contributes to better brain function.

Healthy mouth
Many organic acids contribute to oral health, especially malic acid. It helps reduce the risk of tooth enamel discoloration and pigmentation.

For women.

Grape juice will please many women with the fact that it will protect against diseases associated with premature aging. It is very important in this case to use grape skins in the juice - it contains a large amount of phenolic compounds such as phytoalexin and resveratrol. It is these compounds that have the main impact on the skin cells, have anti-inflammatory effect, protect against UV radiation and the appearance of acne.

Also the juice, thanks to the antioxidants in its composition, blocks the growth of breast cancer cells. Concord is considered the main struggler of all grapes.

For men.

Grape juice is famous for its many beneficial properties, favorably affecting both the female body and the male body. There are a number of diseases and problems that can occur in the male half of mankind. In particular, this applies to problems with the work of the heart. The bioflavonoids contained in the fruit have a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system.

In Eastern countries, they believe that grape drinks can cure male infertility due to the antioxidant lycopene with anti-inflammatory effect.

During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, it is very important to get useful components not only for the mother, but also for the unborn child. Grape juice is rich in all the necessary components. It will increase the immunity, which is usually weakened during this period, and protect the body from viruses and bacteria. B vitamins can help normalize digestion, as there are often problems with it during pregnancy. Phosphorus, which is present in the drink, is involved in the proper formation of the fetus.

When breastfeeding.

Grapes - a very tasty berry, but, unfortunately, after childbirth to the diet have to be very selective. For example, new mothers are not allowed to eat grapes in their original form, and the juice is allowed in a few months after the birth of the child. It contains all the useful components, and the harm that carries the berry itself without heat treatment will be excluded.

For children

Nutrition for children should also be balanced, support health and normal development. The child's first introduction to grapes should start with juice, and in a diluted state. And if there are no signs of allergic reactions, you can gradually increase the concentration of juice and reduce the amount of water.

Prolonged heat treatment of the juice will destroy some of the acids to which children's teeth are so sensitive. B vitamins will improve the child's brain activity - the brain needs help during development. Vitamin C will strengthen immunity and health.

For weight loss.

More recently, scientists have concluded that regular consumption of grape juice made by hand (in other words, freshly squeezed) leads to weight loss. Due to the absence of the need to add sugar, grape juice remains as low-calorie as the berry itself. There is a diet based on grapes and grape products. Weight loss is promoted by phenolic compounds, some types of which help the body break down fat cells. Also, grape juice speeds up the body's metabolism and regulates blood sugar levels, which also affects the normalization of weight and its maintenance in the future.

Is packed grape juice useful?

Many people ask themselves this question when they stop in front of the shelves with juice boxes. To understand this question, it is necessary to refer to the information contained on the packaging of the drink, and to the technological processes of production.

Composition and expiration date
Pay attention to the composition. Very often, in addition to the juice itself, there you can see sugars, antioxidants, and in some cases - and flavor enhancers. Most of them serve to extend shelf life - such products, when closed, can be stored for up to 6 months, even at 25 degrees. You will agree that juice made at home, even in a closed jar, will not last long at this temperature and in a couple of days will acquire an unpleasant taste and smell. So when you see such deadlines, it is worth questioning the naturalness of the juice and remembering what harm can come from the large amount of sugar, flavor enhancers, and aroma boosters.

Many producers withhold the real amount of added sugar. Most often it is in the juice is in large quantities, due to which disturbed tooth enamel, there is a risk of tooth decay. Many people also note that when giving up packaged juices, weight loss and its normalization are observed.

Production technology
Juice production technology includes many processing steps. Among them there are absolutely innocuous and similar to those that we do in the home - for example, boiling, filtering and sometimes pressing (crushing) berries. And some of them are completely unfamiliar to us. Among them is sterilization at very high temperatures to extend the shelf life. As a result, practically all useful components disappear from the packaged juice, they simply cannot withstand such temperature regimes.

When making juice from light grapes, there may be such a stage as clarification. It gives the juice a nice shade, but also takes away all the useful properties of the drink.

Some manufacturers add a complex of vitamins and minerals additionally - such juices can be found among children's food. But for children it is better to use juices of their own making, where you will be sure of the composition to the end.

It is worth everyone to decide whether to consume grape juice from a package bought in the store. But why create the risk of certain diseases, if you can easily make healthy juice at home.

Grape juice in medicine

Grapes were used as medicine by the ancient Romans - they used it as a remedy for colds, for problems with the gastrointestinal tract and even in cases where for various reasons they lost a lot of blood.

In some cases, grape juice is recommended to use even now. For example, if you are anemic, you should drink half a glass of grape juice 3 times a day. The large amount of iron in the blood contributes to normal hematopoiesis.

When you have a cold, you need to drink warm grape juice - vitamin C in grapes will help strengthen the immune system and help it fight the virus. In such a juice, you can add honey or mint to enhance the effect.

The use of grape juice in cosmetology

Due to the ability of grape juice to prevent premature aging, many people use it as a cosmetic product. It can play the role of an ordinary facial tonic, nourishing the skin with useful components and improving its overall condition. If you rinse your hair with grape juice, you can notice after a while that it becomes smoother, and the combing procedure is already much easier - nothing clings or tangles. The problem of hair loss and clippings is also minimized.

Those who make grape juice at home benefit the most. The leftovers that pass after filtering the juice can be used for cosmetic purposes.

Body Scrub

Very often in the store you can find scrubs based on grapes and sugar. Such a scrub can have an anti-cellulite effect - it promotes the flow of blood circulation closer to the skin, which has a magical effect. It is very easy to make at home. You will need sugar and grape slices left over from grape juice. It is enough to simply mix these ingredients and apply by massaging on the steamed skin. Scrubbing effect will also have grape seeds.

Hair mask with grape juice and burdock oil

Mix the burdock oil, grape juice and honey until a thick consistency and apply the mixture to the scalp. The procedure should be repeated at least 2 times a week to get a positive effect - reducing hair loss, strengthening hair roots and improving the overall condition of the scalp (less dandruff and greasiness).

Hair mask with grape juice and egg

Squeeze the juice from the 1st bunch of grapes and add it to the egg yolk and linseed oil. For thickening, you can add honey. Rub the mask into the roots of the hair and leave for half an hour (you will need to wrap your head with a towel or wear a cap - the mask works better in heat).

Benefits and contraindications

Grapes and its drinks contain a lot of organic acids, so people with gastrointestinal ulcers and gastritis should not consume the juice. Its ability to speed up metabolism can also play a bad joke on those who suffer from diarrhea.

The same acids can also contribute to the destruction of teeth if they already have cavities. Therefore, if there is a desire to switch to a diet high in grape products, it is necessary to visit a dentist to correct the problems.

Do not drink juice with added sugar for diabetics and people prone to overweight accumulation, so it is worth rejecting the packet juice and making only homemade, without sweetener.

How to choose and store grape juice

When choosing grape juice in the store, carefully pay attention to the composition and expiration date. It is better to choose juice, which does not contain any food additives and sugar. The extended shelf life indicates that this is not a natural product.

It is better to give preference to homemade juice - its benefits in this case will be undeniable. Its preparation is simple and does not require much time, and if it is closed in jars, it may well please you in the winter time. Also, cooked juice from grapes can be frozen - in this form it will be preserved for a year. With these methods of storage, you will get grape juice at any time of the year, and do not have to run to the store for concentrated bagged.

How to Make Grape Juice

Making juice is a great way to increase the shelf life of berries and fruits, especially if you have your own plot of land and they grow in unlimited quantities. Grape juice is made very simply. It is necessary to choose a grape variety depending on your preferences - the juice may be sweet or sour, dark burgundy, pink or champagne.

To prepare it, we will need the following components:

• Grapes.
• Drinking water.

Sugar is added to taste, and its volume depends on the selected variety - if the grapes are sufficiently sweet, you can not add it.

Preparation steps:

1. Remove the stems and thoroughly rinse the berries in a sink under cold water, then place them in a saucepan and pour water so that the liquid barely covers the grapes.
2. Place the pot on the stove, over low heat. After 5 minutes, crush the grapes with a press (for example, for mashed potatoes) - since the skin of berries is quite dense, to better release the juice it is necessary to break its integrity. After crushing, boil the grapes for another 15 minutes.
3. After cooling, strain the juice through gauze, so you remove the excess sediment. The first purification produces a juice with pulp. To get a drink without pulp, juice should stand for 12-24 hours - the remaining sediment will settle, and it will be easier to remove at the next pass through a gauze / sieve.
4. If you want such a natural drink to twist and leave for the winter, purified juice boil again and hot pour into sterilized jars. Close them with lids and leave at room temperature until completely cooled. Such grape juice can be stored for up to a year.

How to Make Wine from Grape Juice

To make wine at home will not require special equipment, but patience will need to be stocked.

To make wine, it is necessary to prepare the following components:

• Grape juice - 4 liters.
• granulated sugar - 0,5 kg.
• Wine yeast - one bag is enough.
• A 5-liter glass container.

Preparation steps:

1. The juice does not need to be stored in the refrigerator, it should be at room temperature. Pour 0.5 liters into a 5-liter bottle, add 1 teaspoon of wine yeast to it, and close the bottle with gauze (some "home winemakers" use a rubber glove with a small hole for this). Shake the bottle to distribute the yeast thoroughly. Leave the bottle with juice in a place protected from sunlight, but it must be warm enough for the yeast to work properly (room temperature will be enough).
2. After a few days, the liquid in the bottle will start to bubble, a sure sign that the yeast is working. If you choose to use a rubber glove, it will inflate. Fill the bottle with 1.5 liters of grape juice and put the glove back on the bottle. Don't forget to make a small hole in the glove to release the carbon dioxide that is released during fermentation.
3. Yeast, like any living organism, needs nutrition. It is best to use sugar, so you need to prepare a syrup. In a 2-liter bottle add 0.5 kg of sugar and pour 1 liter of warm water. Shake the bottle until the sugar is completely dissolved and leave it for the future - you will need the syrup in the next step.
4. After 5 days, add another 1 liter of juice and all the sugar syrup you prepared in advance to the 5-liter bottle. Shake the bottle well to distribute the syrup better and forget about the wine again for a few days (don't forget to put a rubber glove on the bottle).
5. After another 5 days, you'll notice that there are far fewer bubbles on the surface of the liquid, and the glove is no longer as inflated - this means that the fermentation is gradually ending. Fill up with the remaining liter of grape juice, close the bottle with a glove and leave the wine for another 2 weeks.
6. When the glove is finally deflated and the number of bubbles is reduced (almost to a single bubble), place the bottle in the refrigerator for 3 days. Under these conditions, the yeast will settle to the bottom and the fermentation process will end. After 3 days, carefully bottle the finished wine, being careful not to stir the sediment at the bottom.

Can you drink grapevine juice?

Juice from the grapevine in folk medicine is also called passoka and is used to treat many diseases. Therefore, the use of such raw materials for the preparation of juices is not contraindicated, but on the contrary - can help your body to cope with some ailments.

It is better to gather passoka in the middle of spring - this is when grapes begin to awaken after winter hibernation and all the nutrients are deposited in the vine to help it grow leaves. Collecting grapevine juice is very similar to collecting birch sap - you cut a twig obliquely, guide it into a pre-prepared container and leave it that way for 24 hours. When properly cut from a small vine, only a centimeter long, you can collect up to 3 liters of juice. On the basis of such a drink, you can make wine in the same way as from the berries of the grape.

The most popular therapeutic recipe on the basis of pasoka is considered juice with the addition of vegetable oil. The proportions of this drink are 4:1 (vine juice and olive oil, respectively), but its shelf life is very short.

Both the juice and the wine will help to get rid of some diseases. For example, remove kidney stones, improve metabolism and even eyesight, as well as contribute to the treatment of diseases of the circulatory system. Passoka has a lot of organic acids - much more in the spring than in berries picked later. The same applies to macro- and microelements - it practically contains the entire Mendeleev Table.

Pasoka is also used for cosmetic purposes. The juice of the vine can wash your face and rinse your hair. For hair, you can make a mask based on burdock oil and pasoka - the oil will eliminate the problem of hair loss, and the juice will moisturize and revive the curls.

How to dye eggs with grape juice

Dyeing eggs with juice is not difficult, and the result can be a very rich lavender matte color. As with any egg dyeing with natural ingredients, the dye juice must be 100%, so it is undesirable to choose store-bought for this purpose, as the manufacturer is not always conscientious.

After you squeeze the juice from the grapes, put the desired number of eggs in it for several hours. You can also use the method of boiling juice and eggs together, but in this case you should strictly monitor the integrity and degree of readiness of the eggs.

Interesting facts about grapes

1. The largest producer of grapes is not Italy, but China - almost 10 million tons per year.
2. Grapes act like poison on animals - they can cause vomiting, stomach upsets and cramps.
3. Grape drinks have been consumed since ancient Egypt, as evidenced by Egyptian writings.
4. Grape pips contain oils that are used in the cosmetic industry to make skin care products.
5. Some people in Japan peel grapes from their skins and pips, believing that they are bitter and that the skins cannot be cleaned of dirt.
6. There is a grape variety that tastes like cotton candy.
7. There is a vineyard in Slovenia that is over 500 years old and has survived World Wars I and II and Napoleonic battles.
8. The young leaves of the grapes are used to make a dish similar to stuffed cabbage rolls. It is called dolma.
9. The first winery appeared 8,000 years ago in Georgia.
10. Grapes are mentioned in the Bible - Noah grew them.

Grape juice photo