Grapes (Angur): Uses, Benefits, Side Effects By Dr. Smita Barode

Introduction:

Nothing feels more satisfying than tasting a batch of fresh grapes! These are not only important for curating a quality wine but are also used in refreshing fruit bowls and dishing out sinful desserts. It is because of this versatility, that grapes are also called as “Queen of fruits”. The scientific name of grapes is Vitis vinifera and it belongs to the family Vitaceae. Grapes are crunchy and juicy shots of heaven in various colours like black, green and red. They can be with or without seeds. About 8000 years ago, the cultivation of grapes began in the Middle East. They are now widely grown in Africa, Southern Europe, North and South America and Australia, India ranks among the top ten countries in the production of grapes. In India, 80% production is done in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. They are not only tasty but have several health benefits. Let us read about some evidence-based benefits which will tempt you to add grapes to your diet.^1,2 

Nutritional Value of Grapes:

Grapes are richly packed with various nutritional components that are given as follows:  

• Calories: 107 kcal (per 100 g)
• Carbohydrates: 27 g (per 100 g)
• Sugar: 23 g (per 100 g)
• Fibre: 1.4 g (per 100 g)
• Protein: 1.1 g (per 100 g)
• Total Fat: 0.2 g (per 100 g)
• Potassium: 288 mg (per 100 g)
• Calcium: 15 mg (per 100 g)
• Sodium: 3 mg (per 100 g)
• Iron: 0.5 mg (per 100 g)

Nutritional value of grapes³ 

Properties of Grapes (Angur):

Grapes show numerous scientifically proven properties and some of these properties are mentioned below:⁴ 

• It may have antioxidant properties. 
• It may act as an anticancer agent. 
• It might have anti-diabetic properties. 
• It may have anti-microbial properties. 
• It may act as a nootropic agent. 
• It may have anti-inflammatory properties. 
• It may have cardio-protective properties. 

Potential Uses of Grapes for Overall Health:

Some of the potential benefits of grapes are described as follows: 

1. Potential uses of grapes on cognitive function 

Studies support the association of grapes with an improvement in cognitive function. Grapes contain antioxidants like resveratrol which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which may help inhibit neurodegeneration. It also increases blood flow to the brain, and along with the presence of minerals like manganese, potassium and calcium, may improve brain health. Lee et al. conducted a study in 2017 to assess the effect of grape consumption on cognitive function. The study was conducted on ten participants with mild cognitive decline; this study showed a positive effect of grapes on cognitive function. Thus, grapes may have a positive impact on cognitive function. However, more studies are needed to support these claims.⁵ 

2. Potential uses of grapes for liver disease 

Literature reviews suggest that grapes contain phytochemical resveratrol, which may have hepatoprotective effects against cholestatic, chemical and alcohol-mediated damage. Asim et al. conducted a study in 2022 to assess the effect of the consumption of grapes on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in mice. This study showed that grapes helped modulate hepatic gene expression, preventing oxidative damage and ameliorating NAFLD. This indicates that the consumption of grapes may help manage NAFLD. Additionally, resveratrol may help reduce liver fibrosis and steatosis, which are features of chronic liver disease and thus, may exert a hepato-protective effect. However, scientific evidence to support these claims is limited, and we need more studies to support these claims.^6,7 

3. Potential uses of grapes for managing lipid profile 

Polyphenol-rich food may have a favourable effect on lipid profile. Roberta et al. conducted a meta-analysis in 2020 to assess the impact of grapes on lipid profile. This meta-analysis showed that grapes’ consumption significantly reduced low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol and increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or good cholesterol. This reduction in LDL cholesterol is attributed to the presence of polyphenols like resveratrol in grapes. Therefore, the consumption of grapes may help in reducing bad cholesterol and increasing good cholesterol. However, we need more scientific evidence to support these claims.⁸ 

Did you know that adding grapes to your diet can be a secret weapon for youthful aging? These amazing fruits are packed with antioxidants that work their magic inside your cells, fighting off harmful oxidative stress and kickstarting the production of a powerful antioxidant called glutathione.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

4. Potential uses of grapes for type II diabetes 

Type II diabetes mellitus is a global public health challenge affecting the majority of the population. It is characterized by an increased glucose production by the liver due to insulin resistance and beta-cell defects. Grapes have a low glycemic index, which may positively impact type II diabetes mellitus. Zunino et al. conducted a literature review in 2009 to assess the effect of grapes on type II diabetes. The review suggested that grapes may have the potential to reduce elevated blood glucose, improve beta cell function and protect against beta cell loss due to the presence of numerous polyphenols like resveratrol, catechins, anthocyanins, etc. The results of this study indicate that grapes may exert a positive impact on type II diabetes. Additionally, the presence of resveratrol may help in managing diabetic neuropathy. However, we need more research to support these claims.⁹ 

5. Potential uses of grapes in cancer  

Several literature studies support the use of grapes as promising anticancer agents due to the presence of antioxidants. Zhou et al. conducted an in-vitro study in 2012 to assess the effect of grapefruit on small lung cancers. The results of this study supported the use of grapes for managing cancer. The anti-cancerous activity is attributed to the presence of antioxidants like proanthocyanidins which show inhibitory effects on several cancers.¹⁰ So, it might be possible that grapes can help in dealing with cancer. However, this finding needs further research to be applied practically. 

6. Other potential uses of grapes 

• The presence of fiber content and potassium in grapes may help in normalizing blood pressure.² 
• Due to their high melatonin content, grapes may help in managing insomnia.¹¹ 

Though there are studies that show the benefits of grapes in various conditions, these are insufficient and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of Grapes on human health.  

Including grapes in your diet might have a positive impact on retinal health. The antioxidants present in grapes may help protect and preserve the structure and function of the photoreceptors in the retina, promoting better vision and avoiding further damage.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

How to Use Grapes?

You can incorporate grapes into your dietary routine in the form of fresh, frozen or as juice.² 

You must consult a qualified doctor before including grapes in your diet. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with grapes without consulting a qualified doctor.   

Side Effects of Grapes:

Data regarding the side effects of grapes is limited and more research is required to verify the side effects of grapes on human health. However, if you experience any adverse reactions to grapes, it is advised to discontinue its intake and immediately contact a doctor or your Ayurvedic physician who has prescribed it. They will be able to guide you appropriately for your symptoms. 

Precautions to take with Grapes:

Eating grapes is okay if taken in moderate amounts. However, general precautions must be followed in the following conditions: 

• It is advised to thoroughly wash grapes before consumption. 
• Pregnant and lactating women have to be careful while consuming grapes, as the data regarding the safety profile of grapes is limited. Therefore, it is advised to consult a doctor before adding grapes to your diet. 
• Do not self-medicate, alter or discontinue your medications on your own while expecting grapes to be an alternative to the medications.¹¹ 

Interactions with Other Drugs:

Grapes (Angur) are known to interact with several drugs resulting in untoward effects. Drugs known to interact adversely with grapes are mentioned below; given with them are the conditions wherein they are advised. 

• Statins used to lower cholesterol 
• Nifedipine used to treat high blood pressure  
• Organ transplant rejection drugs like cyclosporine  
• Anti-anxiety drugs like buspirone 
• Amiodarone used to treat abnormal heart rhythm 
• Anti-histamines like fexofenadine 

These interactions can result in unwanted effects on the body and may reduce the drug’s efficacy. However, you must always seek the advice of your Ayurvedic physician about the possible interaction of grapes with other drugs and follow the prescription thoroughly, as they will know your health condition and other medications you are taking.¹³ 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

References:

1. Pezzuto, John M et al. “Unraveling the relationship between grapes and health.” The Journal of nutrition vol. 139,9 (2009): 1783S-7S. doi:10.3945/jn.109.107458. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2728694/ 
2. Lee, Jooyeon et al. “Examining the impact of grape consumption on brain metabolism and cognitive function in patients with mild decline in cognition: A double-blinded placebo-controlled pilot study.” Experimental gerontology vol. 87, Pt A (2017): 121-128. doi:10.1016/j.exger.2016.10.004. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27856335/ 
3. Dave, Asim et al. “Consumption of Grapes Modulates Gene Expression, Reduces Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, and Extends Longevity in Female C57BL/6J Mice Provided with a High-Fat Western-Pattern Diet.” Foods (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 11,13 1984. 5 Jul. 2022, doi:10.3390/foods11131984. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9265568/ 
4. Lupoli, Roberta et al. “Impact of Grape Products on Lipid Profile: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Studies.” Journal of clinical medicine vol. 9,2 313. 22 Jan. 2020, doi:10.3390/jcm9020313. Available at: https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/9/2/313/htm 
5. Zhou, Kequan, and Julian J Raffoul. “Potential anticancer properties of grape antioxidants.” Journal of oncology vol. 2012 (2012): 803294. doi:10.1155/2012/803294. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22919383/ 

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