Grapes. They are great for fruit salads, cakes, desserts, juice, smoothies, salads and last but not least- wine. They can be different types: from white to dark purple, with or without seeds, more suitable for eating or for wine, etc.
Grapes have a mild, sweet-sour taste and are botanically categorized as berries, together with strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, and others.
But did you know that apart from being delicious and healthy fruits, dietary or topical use of grapes can offer you wonderful skin and hair benefits!
This article will guide you through the nutritional value of grapes, as well as through the skin and hair benefits that it has. A the end, we’ve also prepared a recipe for a grape-based body scrub!
Let’s get started!
Nutrition
Grapes are amazing fruits with high nutritional value. They are low in calories, rich in fiber, polyphenols, and are packed with different micronutrients, including [1] :
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
- B group vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5 and B6)
- Potassium
- Copper
- Manganese
- Magnesium
- Iron (non-heme)
Skin benefits
May reduce skin inflammations
Grapes contain high doses of phenolic compounds, which have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. According to a 2015 review paper published in the Journal of Cosmetics, the consumption or the use of topical skincare products with grape extracts help the skin to recover from infections, injuries, pathogens, or irritations. [2]
May help with anti-aging
The same source suggests that the antioxidants in grapes (including vitamins C and E) can protect the skin against photoaging and may play a role in fading signs of mature skin, including wrinkles and fine lines.
May reduce the risk of skin diseases
Resveratrol is an antioxidant that is widely available in grape seeds. According to a 2011 review paper published in the Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics, this substance can be used for management of skin disorders, as it plays a role in reducing the oxidative stress in the body and fights damage caused by free radicals. [3] In addition, the source suggests that resveratrol can be used in skin aging, some types of skin cancer management, natural UV radiation protection, and other skin damage.
May reduce acne
Evidence suggests that resveratrol in grapes may inhibit the growth of bacteria and improve symptoms of comedonal and inflammatory acne. [4] Besides, when used in combination with other anti-acne ingredients and medications, resveratrol can improve their efficiency and contribute to faster and more visible results.
May health your skin faster
According to a 2015 study published in the Global Journal of Health Science, skin products with 2% grape seed extract concentration can support quick wound healing by boosting the production of new skin cells and connective tissue. [5]
May reduce scars
Apart from stimulating quick wound healing and improving the symptoms of acne, grape seeds are associated with reduced scarring. [6]
Has anti-fungal properties
Evidence suggests that alcohol-free grape wine extracts as well as fermented grape seeds and skins (from Pinot Noir) have significant anti-fungal effect on skin, when applied topically. [7] For that reason, grape products are widely used in anti-fungal skincare and cosmetic products.
Hair Benefits
May prevent flaky or dry scalp
As grapes support healthy production of skin cells, they can have positive impact on people with dry or flaky scalp. Vitamin E in grapeseed oil can naturally moisturize the skin cells and plays an important role in maintaining the health of your scalp. This way, grapeseed oil or extract can help you get rid of dandruff and restore your natural scalp balance.
May prevent scalp inflammations
Similar to the effect on skin, the antioxidants and phenolic compounds in grapes fight against inflammation, infection, bacterial growth, and irritation. This way, the nutrients in grapes can reduce the symptoms of itchy, red, inflamed, or irritated scalp areas.
May promote hair growth
Healthy scalp means healthy hair! By maintaining the health of the scalp, cosmetics with grapeseed oil or extract can stimulate the growth of shiny, strong, and nourished hair.
Takeaway
Grapes are not only delicious, but also healthy and beneficial to your skin and hair! The skin and seeds of the grapes contain lots of nutrients and compounds that can help you fight skin inflammation, aging, scarring, acne, skin diseases, scars, fungus, dandruff, and damaged hair.
Usually, I never comment on blogs but your article is so convincing that I can’t even stop myself to say something about it. You’re doing a great job. Keep it up. Even according to me wine is also good for the all-over body.