Grapes Juice: Health Benefits, Nutritional Values ​​And Side Effects

The medicinal value of grapes and grapevines dates back to 6,000 years ago when the sap from grapevines was used as an ointment to treat skin and eye conditions [1]. The ripened grape juice was also used for conditions like cholera, smallpox, constipation, and nausea [1].

Due to the traditional medicinal benefits, normal or pulpy grape juice is a healthy addition to a meal. This is because grapes are rich in various nutrients including antioxidants like resveratrol and flavonoids. The nutritional value of grapes depends on several factors including their place of origin. The benefits, however, are common for different types of grape juice. Also, keep in mind that it is different from grapefruit juice and so are the benefits. Read on to know the top 8 grape juice benefits that make it an integral part of a healthy lifestyle.

Nutritional Value of Grapes

Minerals Found in Grape Juice: 

• Iron 
• Magnesium  
• Calcium  
• Potassium 
• Phosphorous 
• Sodium  
• Zinc   
• Copper2  

Vitamins found in grape juice: 

• Vitamin B3 (niacin)  
• Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)  
• Vitamin B1 (thiamine)  
• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)  
• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)  
• Vitamin K (phylloquinone)2  

Benefits of Grape Juice

Helps in Digestive System 

One of the grape juice advantages is improved gut health. Certain polyphenols and compounds extracted from grape juice can support the health of your gut microbiome. Despite limited absorption, polyphenols can help protect your gut against inflammation, pathogens, and oxidative stress.

Though it contains a small amount of fiber, it can help you meet your daily intake. Fiber plays a crucial role in promoting good digestive health.  

Boosts Heart Health 

Because of the antioxidants present in grape juice, it can help boost your heart health. The flavonoids of its juice can help reduce some risk factors of heart disease, such as [2]: 

• Plaque buildup 
• Inflammation 
• Platelet aggregation

Regularly drinking white grape juice can increase HDL or ‘good’ cholesterol levels and also reduce belly fat. Apart from this, it can also help improve the blood flow in your arteries and lower LDL or ‘bad’ cholesterol levels.

Helps Maintain Brain Health 

One component found in grape juice that contributes to its list of benefits is resveratrol. This antioxidant helps reduce oxidative stress which in turn has a positive effect on your brain health. One study also concluded that resveratrol treatment during late middle age is efficient in improving mood function and memory in old age [3].

Apart from this, it also contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can influence neuronal signaling, which can reduce the risk of dementia [4].

Improves Immunity 

Various types of grape juice are a rich source of micronutrient vitamin C. Vitamin C supports the function of immune cells and reduces oxidative stress, which in turn improves your immunity. Consuming the recommended amount of vitamin C can help make you less prone to various infections and illnesses. Additionally, it also contains polyphenols that can regulate your immune cells and reduce inflammation.

5. Manages Diabetes and Blood Glucose 

The glycemic index number of grapes is low which means that it will not increase your blood sugar levels. In fact, the nutrients present in grapes can help decrease blood sugar levels and increase your insulin sensitivity [5]. This helps your body use the glucose present in your system.

As explained before, grape juice can also help reduce oxidative stress because of its antioxidant properties. Note that oxidative stress is one of the major causes of diabetes mellitus.

6. Improves Bone Health 

Apart from the above benefits, resveratrol present in grape juice benefits your bones too. It has osteoinductive and osteogenic effects, which are potentially good for your bone health [6]. Along with this, grapes are also a rich source of vitamin K, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. These vitamins and minerals help improve and protect your bone health.

7. Keeps Skin Healthy 

The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagen effects contribute to the grape juice benefits for skin. The resveratrol present in grape juice helps inhibit the formation of tumors, thereby protecting you from skin cancer. This is because it decreases the generation of free radicals that may trigger skin aging. It also contains hydrolyzed collagen, which can help you maintain skin health.

8. Supports Weight Loss 

You can also regularly drink grape juice for weight loss. It can further help manage and reduce the risk factors that contribute to metabolic disease. Different types of grapes have different benefits for weight and for other health conditions. These benefits range from managing obesity, fatty liver, and improved metabolism.

How to Prepare and Use Grape Juice?

You can order grape juice from outside or prepare it at home by following a few simple tips. First, rinse some grapes with water and put them in your blender, and your grape juice is ready. Then, with the help of a strainer, you put them into a glass and enjoy it. It is a drink you can consume any time of the year. 

Side Effects Of Grape Juice

There are no such proven side effects of consuming grape juice. Moreover, no studies have yet proved the absolute safety of grape juice. So, if you experience any symptoms after consuming grape juice, you should talk to your doctor. They will tell you how to consume it according to your health condition. 

Precautions While Consuming Grape Juice

Children and older people should consume it in moderation. Childbearing women and lactating mothers should also be careful while consuming grape juice. There need to be more studies to prove the complete safety of grape juice. It is advisable to consult a medical practitioner if you come under these categories. Your doctor will decide how much grape juice you should consume in combination with your ongoing treatment. 

Conclusion

While these grape juice health benefits make it a good addition to your meal, be mindful of the side effects of excess consumption. Apart from this, remember that despite these benefits, you may still fall sick. If you notice any signs of side effects of grape juice or symptoms of health condition, contact a doctor. Book online consultation appointments with top doctors on Bajaj Finserv Health. With the help of expert guidance, you can take better steps to lead a healthy lifestyle.

FAQs

Is it good to drink grape juice every day?

Because of the numerous health benefits offered by grape juice, one may think of taking it eagerly. But experts say moderation is the key. So, you should take it in a controlled manner since it comes with high natural sugar and calorie components. Blood sugar patients should be careful while consuming this beverage. 

Is it good to drink 100% grape juice?

Consumption of 100% grape juice offers many health benefits. It increases potassium levels in the body, which prevents heart ailments and helps to retain bone mineral density and muscle mass. It is full of antioxidants, vitamin C, and manganese. So, it boosts your immunity and nurtures your digestive tract. It comes with high sugar, yet less fibre content compared to when you consume it as a fruit.

Is grape juice good for the liver?

Red- and purple-cultured grapes are healthy for the liver. They prevent liver damage caused by inflammation. They are loaded with iron, calcium, vitamin C, folic acid, potassium and antioxidants, and the body converts them into vitamin A. 

Can we drink grape juice on an empty stomach?

Consuming grape juice on an empty stomach will help your body absorb vitamins and minerals in the juice most effectively. You can have it at least half an hour before any meal or two hours after your meal.

Who should not drink grape juice?

People with irritable bowel syndrome should not consume grape juice on an empty stomach as it could lead to acidity, which may result in vomiting, headache and gastric. Also, because of the high sugar content, diabetic people should be careful about taking grape juice.