Grapes - autumn’s health booster!

The grape, autumn’s aid to detoxing

The arrival of autumn often heralds increased interest in the benefits of a grape detox diet. To understand the detoxifying effect of this fruit, we need to look at its composition. High in potassium and low in sodium, grapes have a diuretic effect and speed up the elimination of waste products via the kidneys. They also contain a large amount of water and dietary fibre which together promote waste elimination and cleansing of the body. They are therefore an important part of any detox plan, particularly when combined with powerful heavy metal chelators such as zeolite clinoptilolite.

The grape, an energising food

Along with potassium and dietary fibre, grapes also contain other health-beneficial nutrients. They provide copper and other minerals, as well as vitamins such as vitamin C and certain B vitamins, which together help the body function properly. Their carbohydrate content means they can help restore vigour and vitality, while their high content in quick-acting sugars helps provide energy to muscles in record time. This energy boost is perfect for revitalising the body, particularly following intensive physical activity.

The grape, a concentrate of antioxidants

You will no doubt have heard of the ‘French Paradox’ - the apparent contradiction whereby, despite a high-fat diet and regular consumption of red wine, French people have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease than other populations. The origins of this ‘French paradox’ are to be found in components of the grape called polyphenols. These are powerful, natural antioxidants with health-protective effects, particularly for the cardiovascular system. This cardio-protection is now available in the form of an antioxidant-rich grape seed extract incorporated in the formulation VeinoMax.

The grape, an anti-ageing asset

With its high polyphenol content, the grape also offers significant anti-ageing potential. The antioxidant activity of polyphenols fight oxidative stress, a process involved in premature ageing. Studies suggest that the grape’s anti-ageing effects are primarily due to resveratrol, one of the most potent known antioxidants. Extensively-studied, resveratrol has demonstrated beneficial effects for preventing various age-related diseases including cardiovascular disease and certain forms of cancer. Research into this anti-ageing molecule has led to the identification and isolation of its bioactive form: transresveratrol, a much-valued substance in the field of nutritional supplementation. To boost its efficacy, this grape polyphenol is sometimes combined with other antioxidants, such as in the case of the complexes Resveratrol Synergy and AntiOxidant Synergy.

The grape, a fruit popular with researchers

It’s clear then, that the grape offers benefits for our health. While its anti-ageing and cardio-protective effects receive the most attention, the grape actually boasts an even wider range of therapeutic virtues. For example, polyphenols have been shown to have positive effects on certain skin diseases such as eczema. They have also been studied for their benefits for vision problems, hence the inclusion of a grape seed extract in OptiVision, a dietary supplement formulated to protect eyesight.