The benefits and harms of grape leaves for our body
With the advent of new, early and winter-hardy grape varieties, planting of this culture is carried out not only in the southern regions of the country traditional for viticulture, but also in the central zone, in the Urals and even in the Siberian region. At the same time, getting the first harvest of berries, winegrowers discover the benefits of grape leaves, their taste and ways of using in cooking.
Armenian, Greek, Bulgarian, Moldavian, Vietnamese and many other national cuisines cannot be imagined without grape leaves. At the same time, the most famous dish of grape leaves stuffed with minced meat has become truly international. In addition, young grape leaves are used for stewing and marinades, they are salted, added to soups and meat stews.
Giving a characteristic aroma and piquancy to the taste of dishes, the leaves themselves are saturated with the aromas of meat, game and vegetables.
Composition of grape leaves
For eating, young grape leaves that have not yet coarsened are collected, whose benefits are maximal, the leaf plate is elastic, the veins are still juicy.
The energy value of 100 grams of such a product, which is 93 kcal, is determined by the content of 2.1 grams of fat, 5.6 grams of protein and 6.3 grams of carbohydrates. The leaves harvested from the vine are rich in fiber, vitamins A, K and PP, ascorbic acid and a number of B-group vitamins.
A 100 gram serving of grape leaves can provide the human body with half the daily intake of sodium, manganese and copper.
Greens also contain elements such as calcium, iron, phosphorus and zinc. And it is this rich biochemical composition that determines the benefits and harms of grape leaves.
Useful properties of grape leaves
In Europe and a number of Asian countries, decoctions and infusions on green leaves of grapes have long been recognized as a remedy for relieving pain, strengthening and toning. Until the century before last, tincture on the leaves was recommended for diseases of the female genital area and bleeding. Benefits of local grape leaves grapes Native Americans also noticed. North American Indians used tea based on such plant materials as an analgesic and antipyretic agent. The drink was given for indigestion, and lotions were used for manifestations of rheumatism.
Modern studies of the composition and the possible benefits of grape leaves have made it possible to speak of the accuracy of many of the guesses of folk healers.
A source of vitamin A, grape leaves are a powerful natural antioxidant that helps:
- maintain and enhance human immunity;
- protect body cells from negative factors and substances from the external environment;
- save a person from aging.
Due to the presence of this vitamin, grape leaves are useful for diseases of the organs of vision, a drop in its acuity, and chronic eye fatigue.Regular inclusion of dishes made from grape leaves in the menu helps to improve the quality of skin and hair. And together with calcium, carotene has a beneficial effect on the nervous system and muscle condition.
It is believed that only one grape leaf can protect from caries. What are the benefits and harms of grape leaves in this area? Indeed, if you chew on a leaf every day, you can thereby fight against pathogenic flora, plaque deposits and the first signs of periodontal disease. However, it is important not to overdo it, so that the acids in the leaves do not cause the opposite therapeutic effect.
Omega-3 fatty acids are also part of the benefits of grape leaves.
These active substances have established themselves as an effective prophylactic agent in the fight against oncological diseases, arrhythmias and joint diseases.
Grape leaves are useful for various inflammatory processes of the gastrointestinal tract, skin and mucous membranes. In terms of digestive processes, the benefits of grape leaves are due to the high fiber content. Dietary fiber, filling the stomach, contributes to the appearance of a feeling of fullness and frees the intestines from accumulating toxins, so the leaves can be attributed to foods for weight loss and body cleansing. In addition, fiber prolongs the release of sugar into the blood.
There are studies proving the benefits of Amur grape leaves in the treatment and prevention of such a complex and formidable disease as Alzheimer's disease.
And the extract from the leaves and shoots helps to reduce the swelling that accompanies chronic venous insufficiency and exerts additional stress on the heart.
Contraindications to the use of grape leaves
With a huge number of useful properties, contraindications of grape leaves are no less important and should be taken into account when the product is included in the daily menu. People suffering from acute forms of gastrointestinal diseases, for example, gastritis or ulcers, as well as those who are overweight, can use grape leaves after heat treatment or, especially, as part of canned food, only after the permission of the attending physician.
It is pickled or salted grape leaves that deserve especially careful handling, since such products, in addition to plant raw materials, contain a large amount of sodium and acids. And here the harm of grape leaves clearly prevails over the benefits. You should not get carried away with dishes with grape leaves for those who have diabetes mellitus, as well as for women with long pregnancy and lactating mothers.