It's that time of year again for grapes to ripen. The market is filled with various types and colors of grapes, each with a unique sweet and sour taste. In fact, sour and sweet grapes have different health benefits, and grapes of different colors vary in their nutritional and medicinal value. The "Life Times" has invited Professor Zhou Jianian, a professor of Chinese dietary therapy at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, and Professor Wu Jihong, a professor at the College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering at China Agricultural University, to answer these questions for you.
Sour grapes promote the production of body fluids and aid digestion, while sweet grapes replenish qi and nourish the blood. The variety and ripeness of grapes affect their taste, making some more sour and others sweeter. In the summer, high temperatures can disrupt the body's metabolism, endocrine system, and temperature regulation. Eating sour grapes can help generate saliva, quench thirst, strengthen the stomach, and aid digestion, alleviating symptoms like a dry mouth and loss of appetite. Sweet grapes have a relatively more significant effect in replenishing qi and blood, and nourishing the liver and kidneys. Regular consumption can help alleviate symptoms such as qi and blood deficiency, lung deficiency with coughing, and palpitations with night sweats.
Purple grapes prevent aging
Common varieties: "Kyoho," "Muscat"
Purple grapes are rich in anthocyanins and flavonoids, both of which are powerful antioxidants that can combat and eliminate free radicals in the body. Therefore, they have a significant anti-aging effect, not only reducing wrinkles on the skin but also slowing the degeneration of eyesight in the elderly.
Black grapes relieve fatigue
Common varieties: "Black Corinth"
Regular consumption of black grapes is highly beneficial for neurasthenia and excessive fatigue. Black grapes contain higher levels of minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium compared to grapes of other colors. These mineral ions mostly exist in the form of organic salts, which play an important role in maintaining the body's ion balance and can effectively combat fatigue.
Red grapes soften blood vessels
Common varieties: "Red Globe"
Red grapes contain reverse transcriptase, which can soften blood vessels, invigorate blood, and prevent thrombosis. People with cardiovascular issues should eat more of them. Research has shown that this enzyme can protect the heart by slowing the buildup of cholesterol on artery walls, making it very beneficial for preventing cardiovascular disease and stroke.
White and green grapes nourish the lungs
Common varieties: "Xinjiang Mare's Grape," "Thompson Seedless"
White and green grapes, also known as colorless grapes, are greenish when unripe and turn white when mature. Traditional Chinese medicine has a saying that "white enters the lung" and "the lung governs the skin and hair." It is believed that white grapes can replenish lung qi, have a moistening effect on the lungs, and are suitable for people with coughs, respiratory system diseases, or poor complexion.
It is worth noting that people who are overly fatigued, feel physically weak, or suffer from anemia are suitable to eat grapes regularly. However, those who often have constipation, a weak spleen and stomach, or suffer from diabetes should not eat too many.