Sweet Health: The Secret of Grapes

1. Grapes, one of Israel's most cherished fruits, have an undeserved reputation for causing weight gain. However, the truth is that 100 grams of grapes—about 25-30 pieces—contain only 60 calories.

2. Grapes enrich the daily diet with a variety of vitamins and minerals. These include Vitamin C, magnesium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, zinc, and a wide range of vitamins like A, B1, B3, B6, B12, folacin, niacin, and pantothenic acid. Of course, they also contain dietary fiber, which supports proper digestive system function.

3. In addition to the components mentioned previously, grapes are rich in flavonoids—active nutrients that give the fruit its distinctive color and additional health benefits. Flavonoids have antioxidant properties that help the body defend against cancer, arteriosclerosis, and more, including slowing down various aging processes in the body.

4. Recent research has found that daily consumption of grapes aids in improving memory among the elderly, thanks to the assorted antioxidants. Additionally, these antioxidants help clean blood vessel walls, allowing the body to efficiently and quickly transport ingested food and even dispose of waste effectively.

5. If you're concerned about heart disease, go for red grapes. Various studies have shown that polyphenols found in grapes help fend off heart attacks.

6. Other studies have determined that a glass of green grape juice—combined with a balanced diet—can aid in weight loss, due to metabolism acceleration and other beneficial nutrients in this sweet fruit.

7. Smokers could also benefit from grapes. It turns out that smokers' livers produce an enzyme that activates cancer-causing chemicals. Natural 100% grape juice helps reduce the activity of this enzyme. Still, the most effective choice is, of course, to quit smoking—saving money and gaining health.

8. Grape juice also helps reduce headaches, as it provides the body with almost immediate energy. The sugar in grapes is absorbed into the blood within seconds, which can significantly reduce headaches.

9. Raisins have their own virtues: they aid in treating arthritis, lowering cholesterol, treating headaches and migraines, and even helping reduce the risk of colon diseases. Grapes themselves also assist (in addition to the benefits mentioned in previous sections) with joint problems, improving liver function, cleaning the blood, high blood pressure, and even edema.

10. Before you rush to buy heaps of grapes, consider that there are many ways to enjoy them. You can freeze them and use them as a substitute for ice cream (especially loved by children), add them to vegetable salads, or bake them with chicken in the oven. Enjoy—and here's to your health!