For many people, eating grapes with their seeds is a common practice. Besides being a more convenient way than having to remove the seeds first, grape seeds are not toxic and are generally safe to consume. Grape seeds may have a little bitter flavor, but chewing and swallowing them is generally safe.
Health Benefits of Eating Grapes and Their Seeds
Grape seeds, in addition to the flesh, can provide health benefits when consumed together with the fruit. The following are some of the accepted benefits of grape seeds:
Rich in antioxidants
Grape seeds are high in proanthocyanidins, which are polyphenolic antioxidants that help protect cells from free radical damage. This antioxidant may help prevent chronic diseases, including diabetes and heart disease.
In addition, grape seeds contain antioxidants called flavonoids, which support brain function and lower the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.
Improves heart health
Grape seeds' polyphenols can reduce blood pressure and improve blood vessel function.
Supports skin health
Several skin care products include grape seed oil to protect against UV radiation and slow down the aging process. Grape seed oil can also provide moisture and nourishment to the skin.
Contains fiber
Grape seeds include fiber, which helps with digestion and prevents constipation. This fiber can also help regulate blood sugar and body weight.
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Are Eating Grape Seeds Harmful to Your Health?
Although they provide several health benefits, there are some risks and potential dangers to be aware of when eating grapes with their seeds or consuming grape seed extract.
Possible side effects include:
- Headache
- Itchy scalp
- Dizzy
- Nauseous
- Risk of choking
Read more: What Are The Impacts Of Not Eating Vegetables And Fruits?
Potential risks to health include:
- An allergic reaction with symptoms such as itching, swelling, or even difficulty breathing
- Impacts blood pressure
- Has anticoagulant characteristics, which increase the risk of bleeding.
- Anticoagulants, NSAIDs, some cardiac drugs, and cancer treatments all pose a risk of drug interactions
Children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding moms should avoid consuming grape seeds or grape seed extract because there is inadequate information on their safety.
People with bleeding disorders and high blood pressure should consult a doctor before eating grapes and their seeds, particularly grape seed extract. Consulting a doctor can help you determine whether taking grape seeds or grape seed extract is safe.
If you have any additional queries about the safety of consuming a product or food, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.
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- dr. Alvidiani Agustina Damanik
Drugs.com (2024). Grape seed. Available from: https://www.drugs.com/mtm/grape-seed.html
Lauren Panoff, MPH, RD (2020). Can You Eat Grape Seeds?. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/can-you-eat-grape-seeds
Megan Ware, RDN, LD (2024). What are the health benefits of grapes?. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/271156
WebMD (2023). Grape Seed Extract: Health Benefits, Nutrition, and Uses. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-grape-seed