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Nutritional qualities and health benefits

• High levels of potassium, which is a body cleanser. Fasting eating them, clean the kidney and circulatory system.
• High levels of lutein and zeaxanthin (types of vitamin A) that reduces the chance of cataracts and macular degeneration.
• High levels of vitamins B1 and B2 that burn body fat.
• Red grapes contain resveratrol in their skin, a compound that inhibits cancer.
• The presence of flavonoids have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• A large amount of antioxidants found in the seeds, which fights aging and strengthens the immune system.
• Contain ellagic, gallic and tannic acid, which protect against cancer and strengthen connective tissues.
• A good remedy for constipation due to its high fructose, organic acids and pectin.

Origin and cultivation

Grape is the fruit of the vine. Believed to be native to the Middle East and was wearing southeast Europe by the Phoenicians. With the Roman Empire spread throughout Europe. Today it is grown throughout the world, in areas with a temperate climate as it requires warm temperatures in summer and not very cold in winter.

Common names

The scientific name of the plant is Vitis vinifera, meaning "vine leading wine." In spanish is called uva.

Curiosities

• Raisins are consumed for over 6,000 years.
• It is believed that the grape was the first fruit cultivated by man.
• In 1494 the Spaniards brought the vine to the new world.
• The vine, if allowed to grow, reach more than 30 meters in length. According to a study from the University of Connecticut, walking after eating raisins helps lower cholesterol, reduces appetite and satisfies hunger due to increased satiety hormones.
• Magnesium and Potassium is an antacid to the stomach. So raisins and other dried fruits is take them in the usual dessert.
• The tradition in Spain of eating grapes on New Year dates back to the late nineteenth century when Madrid began to take them to a tax protest mayor who came out to party the night of kings. In protest, the party advanced to 31 and copied the custom of the bourgeois class eating grapes and drinking champagne on that day, in turn imported of the French and German.

Raisins

The most important varieties to produce raisins are: Muscat grapes, currants, sultanas and Thompson, being the largest muscatel flavor. Among the health benefits are:

• Expectorant and emollient properties that help soothe coughs.
• Its concentration in sugars and carbohydrates is recommended for people who need a quick energy boost as athletes, students, children growing children, or people with low levels of sugar in the blood..
• For its content in iron, magnesium, copper and folic acid are good for treating anemia helping the formation of red blood cells.
• Its phosphorus content is good for students and avoid problems of long-term memory.
• Treat fever and infections due to their content of phenols and organic acids.
• Raisin and dried fruit in general represent a great contribution of minerals to the body, with a good dose of calcium, magnesium and trace elements such as boron, important nutrients for bone formation.
• Add raisins to the diet is ideal to prevent eye problems.

Sources consulted

Lyle, Susanna. Enciclopedia de las frutas del mundo. David Baterman Ltd. (ed. Lit.); Parangona Realitzacio Editorial SL (trad.). Barcelona: De Vecchi, 2007. 480 p. ISBN: 978-84-315-5164-3

Buczacki, Stefan. Frutas de jardín. Hamlym (ed. Lit.); Diorki (trad.). Madrid: Tursen, 1994. 126 p. ISBN: 978-84-87756-48-1

Chevallier, Andrew. Enciclopedia de plantas medicinales. Penny Warren (ed. Lit.) Madrid: Acento Editorial, 1997. 336 p. ISBN: 978-8448302450

Flowerdew, Bob. El gran libro de las frutas. Kyle Cathie Limited (ed. Lit.); Anna Turró/Montse Pratsobrerroca (trad.). Barcelona: RBA Libros, S.A., 2006. 256 p. ISBN: 978-84-787-1595-4

Otras Fuentes: http://www.botanical-online.com/uvas.htm, http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitis_vinifera, http://www.directoalpaladar.com/cultura-gastronomica/las-uvas-de-nochevieja-el-origen-de-la-tradicion

Foto: Autor music4life, Fuente: Pixabay.com