Many of us love grapes. This berry can be eaten both fresh and made into wine, fruit drinks, juices, preserves, compotes. But what vitamins are contained in the berry? Can I use it while breastfeeding? Give to children and pregnant women? Why? Let's talk about its dangers, benefits, as well as its effect on the body.
Composition and nutritional value of grapes
Let us consider in more detail what substances, vitamins and trace elements are contained in grape berries.
Vitamin composition
The vitamin composition (in 100 g) is as follows:
- C (ascorbic acid) (6000 mcg.) - helps the immune system in the fight against diseases and viruses, significantly slows down aging, improves the condition of blood vessels, skin cells, the functioning of the nervous system, metabolism, lowers blood cholesterol levels, promotes the removal of heavy metals and toxic compounds from the body;
- H (biotin, coenzyme R) (1500 mcg.) - improves the functioning of the nervous system, the condition of the skin, hair, helps in the fight against diabetes, in the processing of glucose and the burning of fats in the body;
- E (Tocopherol) (400 mcg.) - increases the level of the body's immunity, reduces the likelihood of atherosclerosis and diseases of the cardiovascular system by 30%, helps the production of male semen, reduces the number and depth of wrinkles, improves the condition of the skin, nails, hair;
- PP (Niacin, Nicotinic Acid) (300 mcg.) - promotes the synthesis of hemoglobin, tissue growth, lowers cholesterol levels and the likelihood of developing diabetes, migraines, helps balance the level of various hormones in the body, improves liver and pancreas;
- B6 (pyridoxine) (90 mcg.) - facilitates the conversion of amino acids, fatty acids, glucose, improves cell metabolism, memory, reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack, myocardium, coronary heart disease, normalizes potassium and sodium levels;
- B5 (pantothenic acid) (60 mcg.) - reduces cholesterol levels, the risk of cardiac arrest, normalizes blood sugar levels, participates in the synthesis of acids important for the body, fat, protein metabolism, promotes easier absorption of other vitamins;
- B1 (thiamine) (50 mcg.) - indispensable for the work of the digestion, nervous system, heart, intestines, stimulates the immune defense, brain activity, improves blood circulation, is very useful for the elderly;
- B2 (riboflavin, lactoflavin, hepatoflavin, "yellow sugar") (20 mcg.) - helps reproductive function, improves vision, heart, intestines, thyroid gland, urogenital organs, promotes hair and nail growth, facilitates the absorption of vitamins K, B9, B6);
- A (retinol) (5 mcg.) - useful for the formation of the skeleton, teeth and bones, improves the protective functions of mucous surfaces, helps in the formation of proteins, in the fight against viruses and bacteria, slows down the aging of the body;
- B9 (folic acid) (2 mcg.) - is indispensable in the production of red blood cells, normalizes its composition, slows down aging, promotes the restoration of cells and body tissues after damage, normalizes carbohydrate-fat metabolism;
Useful macronutrients
In addition, the berries contain such macronutrients (in 100 g of a ripe delicacy) as:
- Potassium (225,000 mcg.) - vital for the normal functioning of the cells of the body, its systems and organs, blood vessels and muscles, helps to remove excess and harmful fluids from the body, regulates blood and arterial pressure, the level of potassium in the body;
- Calcium (30,000 mcg.) - participates in the formation of bone tissue, teeth, prevents the onset of diabetes and cancerous tumors of some organs, supports heart function, normalizes sodium levels;
- Sodium (26,000 mcg.) - determines the correct organization of water-salt metabolism in tissues, improves the functioning of the kidneys, blood vessels, muscles, promotes the formation of gastric juice, normalizes the balance of acids and alkalis in the body;
- Phosphorus (22,000 mcg.) - improves the growth of bones and teeth, cell division, energy production during digestion and assimilation of food, helps to normalize metabolism, the functioning of the nervous system, energy metabolism;
- Magnesium (17,000 mcg.) - promotes the growth of bones, teeth, rapid recovery of the body after stress, illness, absorption of other trace elements into the blood, removes radionuclides, normalizes heart function and blood sugar levels;
- Sulfur (7000 mcg.) - helps the formation of bone and nerve tissue, hair, nails, cartilage, normalizes metabolism, oxygen balance, blood sugar, facilitates the absorption of trace elements;
- Chlorine (1000 mcg.) - helps to remove salts from the body, improves digestion, the condition of red blood cells, liver function, the balance of alkalis and acids in the body.
What trace elements are contained in berries
Also, grapes are rich in the following trace elements (in 100 g of berries):
- Cobalt (2000 mcg.) - actively contributes to the normalization of the endocrine system, hematopoiesis, intestinal microflora, improves the production of erythrocytes in the bone marrow, the condition of hair, skin, lowers cholesterol levels, counteracts aging;
- Iron (600 mcg.) - participates in hematopoiesis and fermentation of proteins, improves metabolism in cells, contributes to the proper functioning of the nervous system, thyroid gland, brain, heart;
- Aluminum (380 mcg.) - promotes the renewal of bone and connective tissues, epithelium, harmonizes the work of the gastrointestinal tract, counteracts the development of osteoporosis, gastritis;
- Boron (365 mcg.) - actively promotes the development and strengthening of bone tissue and blood vessels, maintains the balance of hormones, converts vitamin D in the body;
- Rubidium (100 mcg.) - stimulates the work of the cardiovascular and nervous systems, promotes an increase in blood pressure;
- Zinc (91 mcg.) - improves the functioning of the nervous system, reproductive function, metabolism at the cellular level, participates in the formation of about 300 hormones and enzymes in the body;
- Manganese (90 mcg.) - promotes cellular development, proper absorption of vitamin B1, copper and iron, is necessary for the organization of the proper functioning of the thyroid gland, central nervous system, is an active antioxidant;
- Copper (80 mcg.) - participates in the processes of oxidation and reduction in cells, improves the functioning of blood vessels, endocrine system, pituitary gland, promotes the production of hemoglobin, collagen, gastric juice.
100 g of berries also contain: nickel (16 μg.), Silicon (12 μg.), Fluorine (12 μg.), Vanadium (10 μg.), Iodine (8 μg.), Molybdenum (3 μg.). Most of all in berries potassium and vitamin C.
The benefits of white and black grapes
There are about 20,000 grape varieties in the world. There are white, red, black and green varieties. What are their features?
- White appearance helps to quickly relieve fatigue, energizes, increases blood iron levels.
- Red has antiviral and antibacterial properties, the antioxidant effect of such a fruit is 12 times higher than that of a white one.
- A dark look can lower blood iron levels, it is the most useful of all types of this plant. Reduces the likelihood of cancer formation, improves the functioning of the heart and blood vessels.
- The action of the green species on the body is similar to the action of the red one. He also reduces the likelihood of migraines and facilitates the course of bronchial asthma.
There are seedless varieties, such as Kish-mish. They are very suitable for making raisins. No more than 140 grape varieties are used for wine production.
Benefits and harms during pregnancy
Now let's talk about whether or not pregnant women can eat grapes. During pregnancy, grapes can be consumed, but in moderation in any trimester (first, second, third). This berry is high in calories (70 kcal. Per 100 g), has a high content of glucose and fructose, improves blood clotting. It also improves immunity, helps cleanse the liver of toxins, and promotes weight gain.
All parts of the berry are useful, although excessive use of stone fruit varieties puts additional stress on the gastrointestinal tract.
Grape juice in moderation is also very beneficial for pregnant women. It is enough to prescribe 200-250 g of juice per day (preferably in the morning).
Excessive consumption of grapes, especially raisins, can lead to fermentation in the stomach and bloating, which worsens the condition of the uterus. This sometimes causes a miscarriage. In the later stages, it is better to stop eating grapes.
The berry must be excluded from the diet of a pregnant woman if:
- She has diabetes mellitus (exclude completely);
- She often experiences colitis and enterocolitis (completely eliminated);
- The increase in weight is too significant, which makes it difficult to natural childbirth (exclude in the middle, late period);
- An allergic reaction to the berry (highly allergenic product) has been recorded.
Grapes are also useful for the bearing fruit, because:
- Helps develop fetal tissues, systems and organs;
- Reduces the risk of malformation of the visual and nervous system of the fetus;
- Promotes the development of the correct genetic makeup and skeleton.
It is allowed to eat berries at least a few hours before the expectant mother takes medications. The enzyme resveratrol contained in berries is capable of breaking down some drugs into toxicity. It is worth remembering that excessive eating of grapes can cause congenital allergies on the fetus and its components in a pregnant child.
Benefits for children and from how many months to give
From how many months can you give your child grapes? Let's figure it out! Even the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates argued that the composition of grapes is identical to that of human breast milk. Grapes are often included in the diet of children as a dietary supplement, as they are rich in sugars, organic acids (malic, succinic, citric, oxalic). They improve the quality of gastric juice, prevent kidney stones, do not oxidize blood, improve appetite and quickly restore the child's strength.
The main disadvantage of grapes is the inability to completely get rid of the fungal and yeast formations of the berries, even with the most thorough washing. Eating black varieties can lead to migraines.
The child should be taught to eat grapes, starting from the age of one with several berries a day. It is necessary to ensure that he does not choke and inhale small berries.
Grapes can be given to a child as early as a year, observing his reaction to the berry... How much to give per feeding? The norm at this age is a few small berries per day. If after a month there are no reactions, then the dose can be increased.
Is it possible for mothers to grapes during breastfeeding (gv)
Experts have not yet been able to give a definite answer to this question. If a nursing mother does not have enough milk, then the berry is able to help its secretion (especially red and green varieties). Also, grapes are useful for depression, anemia (some varieties), insomnia. But, eating berries can also contribute to colic, exacerbation of peptic ulcer disease, diarrhea, aggravation of the problem of obesity. It is better for the nurse not to eat the berry until the child being fed is 3-4 months old.
With excessive use in the mother, intestinal dysbiosis may occur.
When lactating nursing, it is useful to introduce grapes into your diet, starting with its juice diluted with water in equal shares. Taking juice for gv, it is necessary to monitor the reaction of the newborn's body, which may experience colic, allergies. Mom is not recommended to consume more than 200 g of juice per week.
In general, the value of grapes for the human body of almost any age cannot be overestimated. This delicious and beautiful berry is useful for both adults and children. For some diseases and during pregnancy, it must be used with caution. Vitamins, amino acids and trace elements contained in grapes are actively involved in all the most important vital processes of all human systems and organs.