Many different types of grapes are grown, harvested, and consumed around the world. Black grapes are one of them and are used for multiple purposes. However, black grapes benefits for males are least talked about.
Highlights:
- Black grapes are a type of grapes that have been grown in Asia and Europe for over 6000 years.
- Black grapes are enriched with a variety of nutrients, antioxidants (polyphenols), minerals, and vitamins.
- Due to the presence of antioxidants, they provide many potential health benefits for men and women.
- They can improve heart and brain health, protect against cancer, control obesity, etc.
Black grapes are a type of grapes that have been grown in Asia and Europe for over 6000 years.
Black grapes that we enjoy and use for various purposes come in two different varieties. One is grown in America whereas the other is grown in Western Asia near the Black Sea.
These grapes are cultivated and harvested mainly for wine production; however, they are also used for various other consuming purposes.
On average Americans eat 5 pounds of grapes every year which makes it the fourth most popular fruit in America.
Black grapes are enriched with a variety of nutrients, antioxidants (polyphenols), minerals, and vitamins.
The unique black and purple color comes from the high concentration of anthocyanins which is an antioxidant. Anthocyanins give black, blue, or purple color to foods such as blueberries, eggplant, black grapes, blackberries, purple cauliflower, etc.
This article will review the 7 unique black grapes benefits for males.
Black Grapes Nutritional Value
Before delving into the black grapes benefits for males, let’s take a look at their nutrition profile. A cup serving i.e., 138 grams of seedless black grapes has the following:
- Calories: 90
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 1 gram
- Carbs: 24 grams
- Fat: 1 gram
- Vitamin A: 11% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin C: 17% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Iron: 2% of the Daily Value (DV)
Similar to other fruits, black grapes are mainly a source of carbohydrates and do not have many proteins or fats. Black grapes are a great source of vitamins A and C.
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is mainly involved in the immune function of the body, cell development, and growth, and eye health.
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that is used by the body to improve iron absorption, boost the immune system, and produce collagen. It is also a potential antioxidant that can help prevent some chronic conditions.
7 Surprising Black Grapes Benefits for Males
Following are the 7 proven black grapes benefits for males:
1. Improve Cardiovascular Health
One of the best benefits of black grapes for males is the antioxidant properties of resveratrol and anthocyanins to improve heart health.
You might have read or heard that red wine can help reduce cholesterol, stabilize blood pressure, and lower the risk of heart disease.
Moreover, the polyphenols found in black grapes can fight free radicals. They also treat inflammation and hypertension and improve endothelial function.
Black grapes have phenolic acids, flavonoids, and resveratrol which can lessen heart mortality. Moreover, they have anti-platelet effects; therefore, they prevent the aggregation (clumping) of platelets which can prevent heart attacks or strokes.
Adding more, anthocyanins can protect against atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the arteries) by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. They can also lessen arterial stiffness which leads to better blood flow and lower blood pressure.
Researchers think that resveratrol which is present in the peel of black and red grapes gives red wine its cardiovascular properties.
Finally, the potassium present in black grapes also promotes heart health.
2. Protect Against Cancer
Anthocyanins and resveratrol are present in black grapes which provide anti-cancer properties.
Resveratrol has been seen to have anticancer properties against colon, prostate, breast, and lung cancer.
Moreover, the black grapes seeds are known to have proanthocyanidins which are reported to fight cancer.
Research has reported that anthocyanins and resveratrol can help in fighting cancerous cells by preventing the growth and spread of tumors. Moreover, they also induce cell apoptosis in which the programmed death of cancer cells is done.
Animal and test tube studies have reported the cancer-fighting effects of anthocyanins against skin, gastric, breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers.
One more test tube study has shown the anticancer effects of resveratrol against various cancers such as liver, breast, stomach, ovarian, thyroid, and prostate cancer.
Some other potential anticancer compounds in black grapes are catechin, quercetin, anthocyanin, etc.
3. Fights Obesity
Pterostilbene and Resveratrol both of which are antioxidants have shown positive anti-obesity effects in animal studies and in laboratories.
Both of the antioxidants found in black grapes have been seen to aid the body in regulating energy and improving gut bacteria.
However, further research is needed to see whether black grapes can fight obesity in humans or not.
Moreover, only black and red grapes contain ellagic acid that can help in burning body fat. Therefore, those males who are facing obesity and weight issues should consume black grapes after consulting with the best nutritionist in Pakistan.
4. Slows Alzheimer’s Disease
Resveratrol an antioxidant found in black grapes might slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists and researchers have seen that red wine in moderation is associated with a lower risk of memory loss.
In some rat studies, resveratrol has been to improve brain function and memory.
In another rat study, the efficacy of resveratrol is observed in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.
Researchers have discovered some of the chemical connections between brain health and resveratrol. However, more research is needed on humans.
5. Manage Diabetes
Polyphenols (antioxidants) are present in black grapes in considerable amounts. They provide anti-diabetic effects which can help in managing the blood sugar levels.
In diabetes, the sugar levels remain constantly high and the body loses its ability to regulate insulin production.
Animal studies have reported that resveratrol, an antioxidant, can decrease insulin resistance and improve insulin secretion in the body. This can alleviate the diabetic complications.
Moreover, test tube studies have shown that resveratrol may activate a protein known as sirtuin 1 (SIRT1). SIRT1 lessens the insulin resistance.
Moving forward, human studies indicate that resveratrol can also improve the ability to regulate blood sugar control and lessen insulin resistance if you have Type 2 Diabetes.
Therefore, males with Type 2 Diabetes are highly encouraged to consume black grapes to reap their potential benefits.
6. Full of Antioxidants
Some varieties of black grapes are higher in antioxidants than red or green grapes.
Apart from being rich in Vitamin C, black grapes are also rich in many antioxidants.
Antioxidants are compounds that fight oxidative stress and prevent chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, etc.
Black grapes have a good amount of polyphenols, which are antioxidants.
As mentioned earlier, the color of black grapes comes from anthocyanin, which is a polyphenol present in fruits.
Resveratrol is also an essential antioxidant that is found in black grapes. It helps in the protection of the brain and heart and also has anti-aging and anti-inflammatory benefits. Moreover, it also fights against viruses, cancer, and inflammation.
Most of the antioxidants are concentrated in the peels of black grapes including, epicatechin, catechins, catechin gallate epicatechin, caffeic acid, gallic acid, etc.
7. Improve Brain Function
Grapes also act as a brain-protecting agent. They improve concentration and memory and also enhance the brain’s overall health.
Resveratrol can lessen the amyloidal-beta peptide levels in Alzheimer’s disease patients.
Some rat studies have reported the efficiency of resveratrol in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.
You can also learn more about the benefits of grapes shared by Zainab Gondal – a Clinical Nutritionist.
How to Consume Black Grapes
Black grapes can be paired with a range of fruits and foods. Some ways to consume black grapes are as follows:
- Can be consumed as it is
- Slice them into half along with almonds and use them in tuna or chicken salad
- Use grapes in fruit salad
- To bring sweetness and color to a cheese plate
- Make a salad of pecans, strawberries, blue cheese, black grapes, and pineapples
- Can consume black grapes with frittata or quiche at brunch
Bottom Line
Black grapes are full of nutrients that serve many potential health benefits to both men and women.
The antioxidants found in black grapes mainly help to provide diverse health benefits of black grapes for males.
From lowering blood sugar levels, and maintaining heart health, to destroying cancer cells, they can offer many benefits.
However, one should consume black grapes in moderation to avoid any side effects.
Moreover, you should consult the best nutritionist in Pakistan, if you have any health issues before consuming black grapes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are grapes good for bed?
Grapes are now considered as a good sleep food. They have high melatonin content which means before bed it is a wonderful choice to have grapes.
2. How many grapes should a man eat a day?
A person should eat two cups of grapes per day which is considered a healthy amount.