The benefits and harms of grape seeds for the body
The benefits of grapes are widely known. In addition to vitamins and minerals, its pulp, peel and seeds contain many important substances for the body that slow down the aging process, cleanse the intestines of waste and toxins, and regulate metabolism. Scientists have found that for greater benefits, it is better to eat grapes with seeds, if your health allows and there are no digestive problems.
Is it possible to eat grapes with seeds?
This is a matter of habit and taste. Grape seeds are high in polyunsaturated fatty acids and phytosterols, serve as an additional source of vitamin E, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, chlorine.
These and other components have a beneficial effect on the body, ensure active vital functions, support the functions of individual organs and systems, and prevent the development of many diseases.
Grape seeds are beneficial only in crushed form and when absence of diseases from the gastrointestinal tract. If you eat grapes with seeds, they must be chewed thoroughly. It is believed that whole seeds, when introduced into the appendage of the colon, cause inflammation. If the seeds are very hard (this depends on the degree of ripeness of the fruit and the variety), it is better not to eat them.
It is undesirable to eat grapes with seeds if you have diseases of the digestive system. (peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, colitis, gastritis), since there is a high probability of exacerbation of pathologies.
What is contained in grape seeds
Grape seeds contain up to 20% fatty acids:
- linoleic – 72%;
- oleic - 16%;
- stearic – 7%;
- palmitic – 4%;
- alpha-linolenic – less than 1%;
- palmitoleic – less than 1%.
Seeds are of great importance as a source of micro- and macroelements. They are represented by potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, iron, copper, zinc, sulfur, chlorine, silicon. Grape seeds also contain phenols, steroids, and in smaller doses vitamins A, B, E, ascorbic and nicotinic acids.
For reference. The calorie content of 100 g of grape seeds is 64 kcal; the proportion of fats, proteins, carbohydrates is 18 g, 0 g and 10 g, respectively. Nutritional value varies depending on the grape variety, degree of ripeness, and growing climatic conditions.
Health benefits and harms of grape seeds
Grape seeds, thanks to the biologically active components they contain, have a number of useful properties:
- strengthen the walls of blood vessels and small capillaries, increase their strength and elasticity;
- improve blood fluidity, thereby reducing the likelihood of thrombosis;
- increase protection of mucous membranes;
- accelerate healing of wounds and burns;
- inhibit inflammation;
- normalize metabolism;
- participate in the production of steroid hormones and collagen;
- restore and maintain healthy skin, hair and nails;
- take part in the formation of new cells;
- ensure proper functioning of the organs of vision, genital and sebaceous glands;
- prevent varicose veins.
Grape seeds are of particular importance for the gastrointestinal tract. They cleanse the body of waste and toxins, improve digestion processes, normalize metabolism, restore damaged microflora, and have a mild laxative effect.
Nutritionists recommend eating grapes with seeds in moderation during a diet.. The seeds contain pectin, which activates the process of fat breakdown, fills the body with energy for a long time, and ensures quick and long-lasting satiety.
Thanks to the presence of B vitamins Grape seeds act as a sedative, relieve stress, stimulate brain activity, improve memory, and improve the quality of night sleep.
Selenium and zinc responsible for sexual health and libido in men. They stimulate the production of the main male sex hormone (testosterone), improve sperm parameters, and restore impaired erectile dysfunction due to increased blood flow to the penis. These same elements in women support the normal functioning of the organs of the reproductive system, slow down the onset of menopause, and ease the course of menopause.
The health benefits and harms of grape seeds depend on general condition of the body and daily norm. In the absence of contraindications, the average daily dose is 45-50 g of seeds. Excessive consumption of grapes along with seeds can lead to allergies, constipation, and bleeding due to blood thinning.
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What are the benefits of ground grape seeds for the body?
An extract is prepared from ground grape seeds, which is used in a complex of therapeutic and preventive measures for diseases of the heart, blood vessels, genitourinary, nervous, digestive systems, bones and joints, with weakened immunity, hypo- and vitamin deficiency.
The beneficial properties of grape seed extract are amazing in their breadth, because it simultaneously has antimicrobial, urinary and choleretic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, wound-healing, angioprotective effects.
With regular consumption of ground grape seeds you don’t have to worry about the state of your cardiovascular system:
the level of bad cholesterol in the blood decreases;- glucose levels are regulated;
- the strength and elasticity of vascular walls increases;
- blood flow and lymphatic drainage return to normal;
- metabolism is normalized;
- the load on the heart muscle is reduced;
- Prevents cardiovascular diseases - atherosclerosis, ischemia, myocardial infarction.
Ground grape seeds are widely used in cosmetology for facial skin and hair care.. Despite its cheapness, a mask based on crushed grape grains well moisturizes the skin, nourishes, tones, brightens, and gives a matte appearance and a uniform healthy color. Vitamin C slows down the aging process, E protects against the negative effects of sunlight, A stimulates collagen synthesis.
Grape seed extract is used for seborrhea, active hair loss, to strengthen the roots. The product has a softening, protective effect, penetrates well into the scalp, regulates water and lipid balances, accelerates cell regeneration, promotes faster hair growth, and gives it elasticity.
Contraindications
Grape seeds have a number of contraindications for consumption. It is forbidden to eat berries with seeds if you have a food allergy, diseases of the digestive system, or during pregnancy and lactation.
Due to the presence of sugar in berries (about 15.4 g per 100 g), limiting or completely eliminating grapes from the diet is recommended for those diagnosed with stage 2-3 diabetes mellitus and grade 3-4 obesity.
For reference. Use grape seeds with caution in case of flatulence, severe kidney/liver failure, severe urolithiasis, and dental problems.
Use of grape seeds
Grape seed oil is used as a food product, added to vegetable salads, meat, fish dishes, baked goods, and confectionery. Mayonnaise and other sauces are prepared on its basis.
Also the oil has many beneficial properties, therefore it is widely used in folk medicine for the treatment and prevention of various diseases. In addition, it is a popular cosmetic product.
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In folk medicine
Grape seeds in the form of a decoction are used as a strong diuretic. for arterial hypertension, edema, the appearance of which is associated with kidney disease, for the prevention of acute heart failure.
A decoction of grape seeds is prescribed for the presence of urate kidney stones and gout.. Biological components alkalinize urine, regulate purine metabolism in the body, reduce the concentration of uric acid in the blood plasma, and prevent the accumulation of urates.The seeds have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, which alleviates the severity of symptoms.
Grape seeds are used in the prevention of cancer. Thanks to their pronounced anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, the seeds protect cells from destruction by free radicals, inhibit the growth and development of cancer cells, and slow down the aging process.
For reference. The antioxidant effect is more pronounced in red grape varieties than in white grape varieties.
The antibacterial properties of grape seeds are useful for treatment of flu, colds, urinary tract and respiratory infections. For wounds, cuts, burns, and dermatological diseases, alcohol extract from grape seeds accelerates tissue regeneration, prevents infection from penetrating into an open wound, and reduces pain.
Aqueous extract of grape seeds serves as an additional source of vitamins and minerals for hypo- and vitamin deficiency, restores the protective functions of the immune system. The same remedy has a therapeutic effect for diseases of the musculoskeletal system (arthritis, osteoarthritis, osteochondrosis).
Grape seed extract prevents the development of cataracts in those suffering from diabetes. If the disease is present, it slows down the progression and prevents possible complications.
Methods of use
Meal is a powder made from grape seeds, which has a wide range of medicinal properties.. Depending on the therapeutic purposes, it is prescribed for diabetes mellitus, thrombophlebitis, varicose veins, viral and bacterial infections, high blood cholesterol levels, and in the initial stages of hypertension.
Schrot reduces the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol on the body, strengthens the immune system, normalizes glucose levels in anemia, binds and removes free radicals, waste, and toxins. It is prescribed to those who have suffered a stroke, heart attack, or other cardiac pathologies for a speedy recovery and prevention of complications.
Regular use of dietary supplements Helps prevent many diseases and conditions common to old age: Alzheimer's disease, senile dementia, atherosclerosis, menopause. For prevention, the product is recommended for rosacea, varicose veins, and cellulite.
Grape meal enhances weight loss effect: activates intestinal function, regulates fat metabolism, helps cope with existing constipation, has a positive effect on intestinal microflora.
Meal is prepared independently at home, dry the grape seeds well and grind them using a blender or coffee grinder. However, due to the presence of fatty acids in the composition, the product quickly deteriorates and goes rancid. It is more advisable to purchase grape seed meal at a pharmacy or stores specializing in the sale of dietary supplements.
Dosage and course of treatment depend on therapeutic tasks, features of the course of the disease, the body’s reaction to the measures taken. Usually, 1 tsp of meal is taken as a preventive measure. three times a day, half an hour before or after meals, with plenty of water. If there is a disease, the dosage is doubled. For children and teenagers, it is added to kefir, yogurt, and milkshakes.
Important! In the presence of acute gastrointestinal diseases, take the meal only after eating.
Conclusion
For health benefits, grape seeds are consumed together with berries or used separately. Based on them, meal, infusion, decoction, extract are prepared, intended for the treatment or prevention of various diseases. It is possible to achieve a positive result with regular and dosed use, eliminating possible contraindications.