In Wine There is Truth, in Berries Health

Regular or frequent consumption of grapes can alleviate knee pain associated with osteoarthritis and improve joint flexibility and overall mobility – confirmed a study presented earlier this year at the Experimental Biology conference in San Diego, USA. Additionally, it has been confirmed this year that red grapes can significantly boost the functioning of the immune system. In both cases, the effect is attributed to specific antioxidants that grapes are exceptionally rich in.

Recent research only confirms what has long been known: that grapes are a superfood that should be part of daily meals as often as possible. The grapevine is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world, having been grown for over 8000 years in the regions of Asia Minor, the Caucasus, Mesopotamia, and Egypt. Green, red, or nearly black juicy clusters were early recognized as a versatile source of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals necessary for the body – whether it is fresh fruit, dried berries that provided energy in winter, or wine.

Healing Properties

The main asset of grapes is their high levels of polyphenols, compounds that protect blood vessels and the heart, and prevent certain types of cancer (esophagus, lungs, mouth, throat, pancreas, and intestines). These are powerful antioxidants that, in addition to the aforementioned, protect against premature aging, prevent platelet aggregation, and reduce blood pressure through anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Furthermore, the high levels of fiber and potassium in grapes have a beneficial effect on the entire cardiovascular system.

Red grapes also contain iron and copper, minerals necessary for the production of red blood cells and the synthesis of hemoglobin, and therefore should be on the menu of anyone suffering from anemia. Grapes normalize the functioning of the intestines and kidneys, and the sugars from grapes quickly enter the bloodstream, making this fruit an excellent source of quick energy during exertion. Black grapes, on the other hand, contain the pigment anthocyanin, from the group of plant phenols, a strong antioxidant similar to lycopene in tomatoes. It is a powerful defense against the destructive effects of free radicals, inhibits blood clotting, lowers bad cholesterol, and reduces the risk of stroke and tumors. Additionally, black grapes, not only in wine but also fresh, can help you sleep better as they increase the level of melatonin, the hormone for good sleep.

Anyone suffering from allergies should reach for grapes, which can reduce symptoms with their anti-inflammatory properties, and recent studies have proven that resveratrol (another of the super antioxidants) in grapes can prevent retinopathy and diabetic neuropathy.

However, grapes are not recommended for everyone due to their high potassium content, especially for those with kidney problems.

Versatile Fruit

There are countless ways to consume grapes. Clearly, the healthiest way is to eat them fresh. Since grapes arrive on our tables from all over the world, it should be noted that they are classified among the top 12 foods that regularly have the highest levels of pesticides. If you are unsure, it is best to wash grapes thoroughly, although (fortunately) the compounds in the grape skin prevent the penetration of toxins into the flesh. Fresh grapes are best stored in the refrigerator.

However, while thinking about grapes, do not forget about dried raisins rich in fructose and glucose, which are an excellent source of energy and also help with coughs and bladder inflammation. Raisins are common ‘guests’ in juicy sponge cakes, but under the influence of Moroccan cuisine, they are increasingly used in savory dishes as a sweet flavor counterbalance.

Grape juice, besides being refreshing, is beneficial for a whole range of diseases and conditions, from anemia to gastritis and catarrh. There are also numerous preparations for treating gout, rheumatism, hemorrhoids, frostbite, and headaches made from the leaves. However, young grape leaves are an excellent addition to dishes; for example, they can be used to make extremely tasty stuffed rolls instead of cabbage leaves.

Should we even mention probably the most famous grape product – wine? Not even the most rigorous of numerous studies could dispute that a glass of wine a day has a positive effect on health.

In any case, include grapes in your diet as much as you can, and there are plenty of ways to keep them from becoming boring. For example, halved green grapes are an excellent addition to chicken salad. Grapes are also a great addition to fruit salads that include pineapple, pears, or strawberries. Additionally, grape berries can be frozen and used as a cold refreshment.

Trend Leader recommends:

Cheese and Grape Cake

Ingredients:

For the sponge: 120 g flour, 120 g sugar, 4 eggs, baking powder, 60 g cornstarch, 2 tablespoons water

For the filling: 500 g fresh unsalted cheese, 150 g sugar, 2 eggs, 1 lemon, six sheets of gelatin, 0.5 l sweet cream, two packets of cake topping, 0.5 to 1 kg grapes

Preparation: Beat the egg yolks with half the amount of sugar for the sponge and add two tablespoons of water. Then add the dry ingredients, namely flour, baking powder, and cornstarch. Whip the egg whites with the remaining sugar separately, and when you get a firm snow, gently fold it into the sponge mixture. Grease the mold with butter and flour or line it with baking paper and pour in the sponge. Bake for about 25-30 minutes at 200 degrees C. Then let the sponge cool completely.

In the meantime, mix the cheese and egg yolks with sugar and lemon juice. Whip the egg whites firmly, and separately whip the sweet cream. Soak the gelatin sheets in a little warm water. Add the whipped egg whites, whipped cream, and gelatin to the cheese mixture.

Cut the sponge in half and fill the middle with the cheese cream. Spread the remaining filling over the cake and then decorate it with halved grapes. Finally, pour the cake topping over the cake.