What are grapes?

Grapes are the fruit of Vitis vinifera, the species most cultivated among the Vitaceae family. The latter includes plants from different areas of the world.

 

What are the nutritional properties of the grape?

100 g of grapes provide 61 Calories broken down as follows:

  • 96% carbohydrates
  • 3% protein
  • 1% lipids

In particular, 100 grams of grapes include:

  • 80.3 g of water
  • 0.5 g of protein
  • 0.1 g of lipids
  • about 15.6 grams of soluble sugars (variable amounts depending on the variety, climate and the degree of ripeness)
  • 1.5 g of fiber

Among vitamins and minerals, 100 g of grapes provide:

  • 6 mg of vitamin C
  • 0.4 mg of niacin
  • 0.03 mg of thiamine
  • 0.03 mg of riboflavin
  • 4 micrograms of vitamin A (retinol equivalent)
  • vitamin K
  • 192 g of potassium
  • 27 mg of calcium
  • 4 mg of phosphorus
  • 1 mg of sodium
  • 0.4 mg of iron
  • 0.27 mg of copper
  • 0.12 g of zinc

 

The grape is also a source of several phytonutrients, among which are included stilbenes (such as resveratrol), flavanols (eg catechins), flavonols (as quercetin and kempferolo), phenolic acids (such as caffeic acid) and carotenoids (beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin).

 

When should you NOT eat grapes?

Grapes may interfere with the action of drugs metabolized by cytochrome P450, of anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents.

 

Seasonality of grapes

Grape season usually begins in August and ends in December.

 

Possible benefits and drawbacks of grapes

The nutrients present in grapes exercise an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect. These benefit firstly the cardiovascular system, but that's not all. These molecules could, in fact, also help fight aging and cancer.

The grape is also equipped with a low glycemic index and the intake of its juice, extracts or its individual phytonutrients has been associated with better insulin control and greater sensitivity to the action of this hormone. Finally, it seems that this fruit may exert benefits cognitively and some of its components have antimicrobial properties.

Unfortunately however, grapes are one of the most frequently contaminated fruit from pesticide residues. Also they can trigger problems such as an upset stomach, indigestion and diarrhea.