OPINION: Grape juice as a natural health booster

Grape seed extract is used in treating a number of diseases. Grape extract contains powerful antioxidants like flavonoids, linoleic acid (a healthy fatty acid) and vitamin E and is beneficial for a number of cardiovascular conditions, helps with poor circulation and high cholesterol. It has been proven to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Grape juice assists in curbing the effects of Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes (by improving blood sugar control), it improves night vision, promotes skin elasticity, promotes mental alertness and prevents tooth decay.

It may even be helpful in improving weight loss efforts by inhibiting lipase and lipoprotein, which metabolise fat. This means that it may help your body expel fat instead of absorbing and storing it.

Including grape juice in your daily nutrient intake is an inexpensive way to boost the immune system and encourage elimination of harmful toxins. Juicing delivers nutrients in a more concentrated form than food. Make sure that you juice the entire grape (skin and seeds included; even leaves and sap if available).

Vary the kinds of grapes you use depending on the benefits you want. The sap of grapevines is beneficial in treating skin and eye diseases. Grape leaves can be used to alleviate inflammation and pain, while unripe grapes can be used to treat sore throats.

To treat backache, sinus, premenstrual bloating and Rosacea (facial redness and pimples) drink grape juice between meals. Try to consume at least one cup of freshly-squeezed grape juice daily. Drink it at room temperature and do not mix with other juices. If your juice tastes too sweet, weaken it with water.

Please be aware that some people are allergic to grapes and the fruit may sometimes cause blood thinning. Do not attempt to cure serious ailments and disorders by self-treating with grapes.

Claire Brown is a natural remedy expert based in Northcliff.