In August, many seasonal fruits make their appearance in Beijing one after another, with watermelons, grapes, plums, peaches, and pears all in abundance. Today, let's talk about grapes, a staple in the old Beijing courtyards.
Grapes are highly nutritious: they are rich in various nutrients such as carbohydrates, vitamins A, B1, B2, C, protein, and minerals like potassium, phosphorus, and iron. The high amount of fruit acid in grapes aids digestion. Grapes are a food that is also used as medicine. Eating them in moderation can strengthen the spleen and harmonize the stomach.
Traditional Chinese Medicine's Interpretation of Grape's "Medicinal Effects": The efficacy of grapes has been recorded in medical texts throughout Chinese history. The "Shennong Ben Cao Jing" states: Grapes are primarily for "dampness and bi in the sinews and bones, replenishing qi, doubling strength and fortifying the will, making one plump and healthy, resistant to hunger, and tolerant of wind and cold. Long-term consumption leads to a light body, prevents aging, and prolongs life." Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that grapes are sweet and slightly sour in taste, and neutral in nature. They have the effects of nourishing the liver and kidneys, benefiting qi and blood, stimulating the appetite, promoting the production of body fluids, and promoting urination.
Modern Medical Interpretation of Grape's "Medicinal Effects":
1. Rapid relief of hypoglycemia: Modern medicine believes that grapes contain 8-10% sugar, and the sugar in grapes is mainly glucose, which can be quickly absorbed by the human body. When hypoglycemia occurs, drinking grape juice in a timely manner can quickly relieve the symptoms;
2. Anti-aging: The flavonoids in grapes are a powerful antioxidant that can fight aging and remove free radicals from the body;
3. Cancer prevention: Grapes contain a trace element with anti-cancer properties that can prevent healthy cells from becoming cancerous and stop the spread of cancer cells.
4. Fighting fatigue and neurasthenia: Grapes also contain various amino acids needed by the human body. Regular consumption of grapes is very beneficial for neurasthenia and excessive fatigue.
5. Toning the weak: After grapes are made into raisins, the sugar and iron content becomes relatively high, making them a great tonic for women, children, and those who are weak and anemic. Elderly people can chew a few raisins before meals to both stimulate their appetite and tonify their weakness.
Delicious but excessive consumption is harmful
It is worth noting: Grapes are high in sugar, and eating too much can easily cause internal heat, cavities, obesity, and lead to diarrhea as side effects. People with weak digestion and diabetics should best eat them in moderation.