The Mighty Purple Grape
Grapes are mentioned several times in the Scriptures as something God provided to Israel for their food. It may be because they contain unique and potent nutritional properties.
Grapes contain manganese, iron, vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, A, C, K, enzymes, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, copper, potassium, beta-carotene, lycopene, ellagic acid, tannic substances, gallic acid, caffeic acid and pectins.
But the bulk of grapes' health benefits comes from their high antioxidant content of polyphenols, flavonoids and phytonutrients in general: they give the color to grapes, and the more vibrant the color, the higher the content in phytonutrients. Antioxidants fight free radicals, which damage cell membranes, tamper with DNA, and even cause cell death.
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Some of the antioxidants found in grapes include:
• Resveratrol – Strong evidence that it decreases blood platelet stickiness and keeps blood vessels open and flexible which reduces blood clotting. Resveratrol also may protect LDL cholesterol from oxidation, which has been linked to arterial damage. There is additional research that resveratrol may slow aging on a cellular level and support immune health.
• Pterostilbene – A compound that may reduce cholesterol and triglycerides by affecting enzymes responsible with the regulation of fat level in our blood.
• Saponins – Appear to lower blood cholesterol, by binding to cholesterol and preventing its absorption into the body. Saponins, located in grapes' skin, also seem to be able to block inflammation.
• Bioflavonoids – Facilitate the absorption of vitamin C into our bodies and help vitamin C maintain healthy connective tissue in our bodies. They also function as antioxidants, by protecting vitamin C from oxidation and by preventing ruptures in capillaries.
• Quercetin – Helps protect tissues and has antihistamine and an anti-inflammatory properties
• Catechins – Primarily found in the skin of grapes, they have been studied for their wide range of protective properties, including cardioprotective, chemoprotective, and antimicrobial
The majority of the polyphenols/flavonoids/phytonutrients in grapes are found primarily in the skins, stems, and seeds of grapes rather than their juicy middle sections. Extracts can be taken from the seeds and skin to provide concentrated amounts of the compounds in convenient, supplement form.
The following Pathway to Healing products contain various extracts from grapes, God's amazing fruit:
Cardiovascular Support – Grape seed, grape skin and resveratrol
Basic Nutrient Support – Grape seed extract, resveratrol
Histamet – High ORAC complex with grape seed
