Grapes are useful in preventing and treating disorders of almost the whole body, which is one reason they are so popular in hospitals. They also have cancer-protecting qualities due to the high levels of antioxidants and vitamins.
Grapes are useful in convalescence and weight loss, and against disorders such as anaemia, fatigue, arthritis, gout and rheumatism.
Grapes contain an enormous number of aromatic compounds, far more than all other fruits. Most important of these from the health point of view are the astringent tannins, flavones, red anthocyanins, linalool, geraniol and nerol. These are believed to give grapes their cancer protective effect.
The total antioxidant activity of a food is tested using a measure called the ORAC scale. To counteract the harmful oxidising effects of everything the average person eats, drinks and breathes in a day, around 1650 ORAC units are required in the food and drink consumed daily. Scientists believe that over 80% of the World's population actually fails to get more than 800 ORAC units per day, leaving the body open to damage by oxidation, which can ultimately lead to heart, liver, digestion and kidney diseases and most importantly cancer. Red grapes contain around 740 ORAC units; this is concentrated up to 2800 in raisins.
Nutrients
A two-day fast, eating only grapes, every 10 days is an excellent way to lose weight.