THE GRAPEVINE TRIVIA

13 February 202313 February 2023 Dr. Kaviraj Khialani

HEALTHY & WHOLESOME NUTRITION

A grape is a fruit, botanically a berry, of the deciduous woody vines of the flowering plant genus Vitis. Grapes can be eaten fresh as table grapes, used for making wine, jam, grape juice, jelly, grape seed extract, vinegar, and grape seed oil, or dried as raisins, currants and sultanas. They have said to be introduced by The Phoenicians carried the grape into France about 600 BC. The Romans planted grapes in the Rhine valley not later than the 2nd century. The nutrients in grapes may help protect against cancer, eye problems, cardiovascular disease, and other health conditions. Resveratrol is a key nutrient in grapes that may offer health benefits. Grapes are a good source of fibre, potassium, and a range of vitamins and other minerals.

It is said that grapes have been around for almost 66 million years. Amazingly, the oldest-known grapes grew in central India long before humans existed. Scientists discovered fossilised grapes, which were dug from sediment, that have since suggested an age of around 66 million years plus now. While some still try and look out for the reason why it is addressed as a grape? the simple reason being A grape is a small, sweet fruit that grows in clusters on a vine. Dried grapes are known as raisins, and this versatile berry is used to make many other products, including jelly, juice, and wine. Experts believe the word grape comes from an Old French verb, graper, “catch with a hook” or “pick grapes off the vine.”

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Grapes come in many colours, including green, red, black, yellow, pink, and purple. “White” grapes are actually green. “White” grapes are actually green in colour, and are evolutionarily derived from the purple grape. Mutations in two regulatory genes of white grapes turn off the production of anthocyanin’s, which are responsible for the colour of purple grapes. While it is also believed that Grapes are a good source of potassium, a mineral that helps balance fluids in your body. Potassium can help bring down high blood pressure and lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. Most people don’t get enough of this nutrient, so eating grapes can help fill the gap.

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Talking of how many varieties of grapes are known to us? Humans have been cultivating grape vines (Vitis vinifera, a different species than the table or concord grape) for wine since the Neolithic era. There are now more than 10,000 wine grape varieties in the world, but only a few varieties have achieved widespread popularity and acclaim. Another term associated with grapes is bloom, known as the “bloom,” the waxy, silvery-white substance on the surface of grapes, blueberries, and certain plums acts as a barrier against insects and bacteria and helps to seal in the fruit’s moisture. The bloom is also a sign of freshness since it fades with time and handling.

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Grape is a versatile crop that can adjust to any type of climate. The ideal climate is in the Mediterranean region. In Europe, America, Australia and Russia, it is grown under temperate conditions, while in Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, China, Pakistan, Israel and North India it is grown under sub-tropical conditions. Are grapes good for skin? Yet another query which pops up from most foodies and connoisseurs, and the reply is filled with Vitamin C and antioxidants, grapes can help to revitalize your skin. In fact, they can even protect your skin from cancer-causing ultraviolet radiation and free radicals that can, on a lesser scale, cause wrinkles and dark spots, grapes are truly good for the skin. While they are great for overall health, grapes are loaded with sugar and fats, which makes them the wrong fruit to eat while on a strict weight-loss diet. 100 grams of grapes may contain 67 calories, and 16 grams of sugar, which means regular intake of these tiny delights could cause weight gain. Can grapes make you drunk? Well, grapes contain no alcohol (or very little, if they have begun to “rot” (ferment) they may have trace amounts of alcohol, but your stomach would fill up before you could eat enough to get even a little bit drunk). So the answer is, you can’t get drunk from eating fresh grapes.

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Here are a few Health Benefits of GRAPES:

Grapes are a great immunity-boosting fruit and a useful ingredient in a number of ways.
Grapes also aid in weight loss in some cases, if used and consumed wisely and in moderation with a balanced angle.
Grapes help in our digestion as well, need to have them once in a while to benefit from its qualities and plus points.
Grapes help to lower cholesterol and regulate the blood pressure in the body as well.
Grapes help strengthen our bones and also are also considered good for hydration.
Grapes are rich in health and also protecting anti-oxidants.
Grapes increase good cholesterol levels in our bodies.
Grapes support muscle repair in our body and wear and tear is taken care of.
Grapes are also considered to be good for the skin and anti-ageing as well.
Grapes improve the functioning of the human brain and support overall well-being being good for the eyes as well.

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Here are a few Easy to Prepare – Yummy Recipes using Grapes:

Recipe-1] CITRIC GRAPE COOLER

Recipe-2] GRAPE AND SPICY CAULI ROAST

Recipe-3] HEALTHY GRAPE SALAD

Recipe-4] NUTTY CHEESE WRAPPED GRAPES

Recipe-5] GRAPE ON A SWEET NOTE

Recipe-6] GRAPE AND BERRY SMOOTHIE COMFORT

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About the author

Dr. Kaviraj Khialani

Dr. Kaviraj Khialani – celebrity master chef - is a Mumbai-based author, writer, academician, food –health-lifestyle coach, mentor & consultant.
He is specialized in over 33 International Cuisines & has worked with brands like the Taj Group of Hotels, Kuwait Airways to name a few. Chef Kaviraj has been awarded several Global and National Awards for his outstanding performance and achievements in his chosen field. He has been featured on Star Plus and Colors Television on several food shows as well.