With their black, purple or dark bluish colouring, grapes are among the most nutritious fruits, and also contain properties that help keep the body free from disease, according to health experts. Nutritionists say one of the main reasons why people should consume these fruits is that they contain antioxidants known as polyphenols, which slow down many cancers, including the ones that attack the esophagus, lungs, mouth, pancreas, prostate and colon. According to Private Kamanzi, a nutritionist at Amazon Complimentary Therapy in Remera, Gasabo District, grapes help to prevent cancer, especially prostate cancer in men. They are also good for heart health because of richness in magnesium. He explains that the magnesium help build the cardiac walls, and increases the strength of cardiac muscles. Grapes are a good source of fibre, which helps wash away bad cholesterol from the body. “By eliminating bad cholesterol, it means they can prevent and regulate one’s blood pressure. This is because the fruit also contains good amounts of iron, which is a hemoglobin element that is capable of increasing or decreasing the blood volume in the body,” he notes. Kamanzi says anaemia can be corrected by consuming grapes. He adds that fruit is rich in sulphur which is another element that can detoxify the body. Joseph Uwiragiye, the head of nutrition department at University Teaching Hospital, Kigali (CHUK), says grapes can help fight against arthritis. Uwiragiye says arthritis causes the inflammation of the lining of the joints, especially in the hands and fingers, and that if left untreated, can lead to severe damage or complications to other organs. “Taking grapes mixed with vinegar and onions daily can work wonders when it comes to treating arthritis,” he says. Apart from that, grapes can also help fight against diabetes. Uwiragiye says this is because they have a low glycemic index which when consumed, thus help reverse the threat of one developing diabetes. According to a research by Mayo Clinic, a diet which has a low glycemic index can help in maintaining a healthy weight and getting enough exercise and also help in maintaining blood sugar levels as part of diabetes treatment plan. The Glycemic Index (GI) is a relative ranking of carbohydrate in foods according to how they affect blood glucose levels. The study states that a glycemic index diet plan is based on how foods affect one’s blood sugar level. Other health benefits Erick Musengimana, a nutritionist at Rwanda Diabetes Association, says grapes are rich in fibre which helps in many activities taking place in the body. For instance, he notes that the fibre in grapes can aid in absorption of blood sugar. “Consuming grapes on daily basis can help lower blood cholesterol and prevent diabetes and heart disease. When carbohydrates are combined with fibre, it slows the absorption of sugar and regulates insulin response. Besides, because of the fiber content, they make one feel full thus discouraging overeating, therefore helping one to maintain good health as well,” he says. Musengimana further notes that grape seeds help improve immunity and protect the skin from ultra-violet radiation damage, as well as the blood vessel walls from inflammatory stress. He notes that for those who have a problem of dry skin, consuming grapes can help fix that by boosting a smooth and good looking skin. According to Kamanzi, apart from just being tasty, grapes can help in treating constipation, indigestion, fatigue, kidney disorders and many other conditions. He adds that because of their therapeutic value, grapes can be used to cure asthmatic people. Kamanzi says grapes have a high hydrating effect, which increases the moisture present in the lungs and reduces asthmatic incidence. He says whether taken as juice or eaten raw, grapes are still healthy. However, before eating them, he advises that grapes should be washed thoroughly with clean water to remove chemicals like pesticides.
