The 13 Health Benefits of Japanese Grapes

The Japanese Grape , or chicken gut as it is also known, is a medium-sized deciduous tree, widely used in urban afforestation. Its crown is open, round to oval in shape. The stem has rapid growth and small diameter. Its bark is dark, with a smooth to slightly cracked texture. The leaves are oval, green, shiny, alternately arranged and fall off in autumn and winter. The numerous flowers appear in the summer.

They are small, hermaphroditic, fragrant, greenish-white and attract many bees. The fruits are dry, brown capsules supported by fleshy, sweet, brown-colored peduncles. Each Japanese Grape contains 2 to 4 brownish seeds. Seed dispersal is zoochoric (by animals). Japanese  grapes have a pleasant flavor, but they should be picked when ripe. When green, they have an astringent taste and when passed, they ferment and have an alcoholic taste.

Nutritional Table of Japanese Grapes:

• Proteins (g.100 g-1) Mean value: 0.41;
• Lipids (g.100 g-1) Mean value: 0.23;
• Total carbohydrates (g.100 g-1) Average value: 18.05;
• Ash (g.100 g-1) Average value: 1.22;
• Total fibers (g.100 g-1) Average value: 15.17;
• Soluble fibers (g.100 g-1) Average value: 9.66;
• Insoluble fibers (g.100 g-1) Average value: 5.47;
• Vitamin C (mg.10-2) Average value: 4.25;
• Calcium (mg.100-2) Average value: 110.03;
• Magnesium (mg.10-2) Average value: 25.47;
• Iron (mg.10-2) Average value: 1.16;
• Zinc (mg.10-2) Average value: 0.33;
• Manganese (mg.10-2) Average value: 0.06;
• Copper (mg.100 g-1) Average value: 576.30;
• Caloric value (kcal.100 g-1) Average value: 102.67.

Benefits of Japanese Grapes for Health:  The Japanese grape , when ripe, can be considered a source of dietary fiber,  Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and minerals: Calcium , Magnesium ,  Iron , Zinc , Manganese  and Copper , being a good alternative to improve the sensory and nutritional quality in food. So, check out now The 13 Health Benefits of Japanese Grapes.

Benefits of Japanese Grape To Accelerate Metabolism:  Proteins are formed by combinations of amino acids, and the best sources are those of animal origin. However, vegetable protein intake also provides amounts of amino acids needed for protein synthesis. The consumption of  Japanese grapes  is important for the supply of energy, regulation of metabolic processes, construction and maintenance of tissues, formation of enzymes, hormones and antibodies.

Benefits of Japanese Grape to Promote More Energy:  Lipids perform structural, energetic and hormonal functions. Therefore, its importance in food is essential to provide energy, transport fat-soluble vitamins ( Vitamin A , Vitamin D , Vitamin E and Vitamin K ), improve food palatability, reduce feed volume and increase digestion time.

Benefits of Japanese Grape for the Brain:  Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body, that is, fuel for the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves and red blood cells. The sweet taste of  Japanese grapes is mainly due to sucrose disaccharides.

Benefits of Japanese Grapes for Weight Loss:  The fibers present in  Japanese grapes are of great interest, as modern diets are often deficient in fiber, and an increase in the intake of fiber-rich foods is highly recommended in many countries, as they play a role in important, such as intervening in the metabolism of lipids and carbohydrates and in the physiology of the gastrointestinal tract, ensuring a slower absorption of nutrients and promoting the feeling of satiety.

Benefits of Japanese Grape for Constipation:  Most of the fiber content is in the soluble form of Japanese Grape (9.66 g 100 g-1) including pectin with values ​​higher than those found in most fruits considered to be rich in pectin, such as apples , citrus, apricots, peaches and plums. Insoluble fiber (5.47 g 100 g-1) can help increase the amount of stool, preventing constipation.

Benefits of Japanese Grape to Delay Early Aging:  Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), representing 4.72% of the RDA. It is a water-soluble vitamin that acts in the synthesis of collagen (the main protein of fibrous tissues), also acts as an antioxidant (protection of cells against premature aging) and promotes resistance to infections.

Benefits of Japanese Grape for Bones and Teeth:  Ashes are inorganic residues that remain after the organic matter of Japanese grapes is burned , indicating the amount of mineral salts, depending on the food and the conditions in which it is presented. Calcium is the most  abundant mineral in the body, being important for the formation and maintenance of bones and teeth, nerve transmission and regulation of cardiac muscle function.

Benefits of Japanese Grape for Memory:  Magnesium is a cofactor  for more than 300 enzymes involved in the metabolism of food components and the synthesis of fatty acids and proteins. It is a mineral that plays an important role in learning and memory.

Benefits of Japanese Grape for the Immune System:  Iron isinvolved in immunity and cognitive performance. Presents important role Japanese Grape  . Nutritional value and acceptability 5 in blood and respiratory transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide, in addition to energy generation.

Benefits of Japanese Grape for Healing:  Zinc has structural, enzymatic (about 300 enzymes require zinc for its activity) and regulatory function  in the cell (essential in immune defense and healing).

Benefits of Japanese Grape for Reproduction:  Manganese is associated with the formation of connective and skeletal tissues, and also with reproduction. It is essential for the proper metabolism of amino acids, proteins and lipids. Ingestion of 100 g of H. dulcis contributes 2.61% of the RDA (0.06 mg.10-2).

Benefits of Japanese Grape Decrease Cholesterol:  The Japanese grape has Copper  is essential for the proper functioning of the immune system’s defense mechanisms. It is present in glucose and cholesterol metabolism, cardiac fiber contractility and bone strength.